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Lenox Memorial Names Top Students for the Class of 2025

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LENOX, Mass. — Lenox Memorial High School has named Samuel Geller as valedictorian and Stefan Zygawski as the salutatorian for the graduating class of 2025. 
 
Graduation ceremonies will be held on Sunday, June 8, at 1 p.m. at Tanglewood. 
 
The following information was provided by the school:
 
Geller is the son of a Thai immigrant and has found Lenox to be a motivating and academically challenging environment for him to grow. Outside the classroom, he has committed himself to various meaningful extracurricular and athletic activities.
 
His academic interests are wide ranging — he enjoys both the sciences and the humanities, with a particular focus on language studies. He speaks both English and Thai at home, and took AP Latin and Spanish. He has earned his Seal of Biliteracy in Latin, which he is quite proud of. The most life-changing extracurricular he has participated in is cross country running. As a member of the 2022 State Championship team and the 2023 Western Mass Championship team, he has enjoyed his share of success on the field. However, the most meaningful part of his athletic career was his time with his teammates and coach Al Najimy, who have helped him grow in so many ways.
 
Beyond his athletic involvements, Geller was part of a school writing club and has volunteered at Volunteers in Medicine in Great Barrington, where he was able to put his Spanish to use at the front desk. He has also played the clarinet in the school band and learns guitar on his own time. 
 
Although he does not have a completely clear vision for his future, Geller is headed to Williams College in Williamstown in the fall with an undecided major. He plans to take a pre-med track but wants to further explore his interests in the humanities as well.
 
He is grateful for the support and opportunities he has received at Lenox Memorial and wishes his classmates all the best as they embark on their respective journeys.
 
Zygawski is a remarkable student and dedicated community member, the son of immigrants, and has distinguished himself through his academic achievements, extracurricular involvement, and commitment to service. His academic excellence is evidenced by his induction into the National Honor Society and his recognition as an AP Scholar. 
 
Beyond the classroom, he was an active and influential participant in various school clubs and competitions. A former member of the Robotics Club, he also served as the president of Mock Trial, demonstrating his leadership and critical
thinking skills. His passion for mathematics shone through as a competitor in the WPI Math Competition.
 
Outside of his academic pursuits, Zygawski dedicated his time to volunteering, making a tangible impact on his community. He also nurtured a unique blend of interests, including astronomy, hockey, and playing guitar.
 
Zygawski plans to pursue a career in medicine. He has been accepted into an accelerated medical program at Lake Erie (Pa.) College of Osteopathic Medicine, a testament to his ambition and the strong foundation he built at Lenox Memorial.
 
Lenox Memorial High School community congratulates Stefan on this outstanding achievement and wishes him the very best as he embarks on his journey to become a medical professional.

Tags: graduation 2025,   val & sal,   

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Pennrose Breaks Ground in Lenox, Bringing 68 Units of Affordable Housing

Staff Reports

LENOX, Mass. — Pennrose announced the groundbreaking of 238 Pittsfield Road, a 68-unit affordable rental community.

The development will bring much-needed affordable, family-friendly housing options to the area.

The community will consist of 10 residential buildings offering a mix of 23 one-bedroom, 38 two-bedroom, and seven three-bedroom apartments. Of the 68 total homes, 57 will be affordable for households earning from 30 percent of the Area Median Income (AMI) up to 80 percent AMI, with the remaining 11 units available at market rate rents.

A community building at the entrance of the development will offer resident-focused amenities, including event space and a fitness center, along with on-site offices for Pennrose management and resident services staff.

"238 Pittsfield Road builds on the progress that the Town of Lenox has made in addressing the region's pressing needs for affordable, family-sized rental housing," said Karmen Cheung, Regional Vice President at Pennrose. "This partnership with the Town of Lenox continues to deliver communities that give families of all sizes a place to call home. Together with Forge, these two communities reflect our long-term commitment to meeting the diverse housing needs of Berkshire families."

Currently only 7 percent of Lenox's housing stock is deed-restricted affordable, falling short of the 10 percent goal established by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Additionally, approximately 90 percent of the town's existing affordable housing is limited to seniors, and market-rate rental options remain sparse.

238 Pittsfield Road is located a mile down the road from Forge,  a mixed-income community that celebrated its grand opening in August. Together, the two sister developments will add a total of 133 new affordable units to the town.

The project continues Pennrose's collaboration with the Town of Lenox and is guided by the goals of the Town's 2017 Housing Production Plan, 2021 Master Plan, and 2002 Gateway Redevelopment Plan.

The project is financed via federal 4 percent tax credit and state tax credit allocations from the Commonwealth's Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities (EOHLC), with the National Equity Fund as the syndicator and Rockland Trust and US Bank as the investors. Rockland also provided construction debt, and the Massachusetts Housing Partnership (MHP) provided both permanent debt and Workforce Housing Funds. MassDevelopment is the bond issuer, and EOHLC provided additional soft sources and operating subsidy. Finally, the Town of Lenox provided local Affordable Housing Trust and Community Preservation Act funds, as well as funds through the Commonwealth's HousingWorks Infrastructure Program (HWIP).

Haynes Construction is serving as general contractor and The Architectural Team as architect for the development.

Construction is underway and is expected to be completed in early 2028.

 

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