BCC Holds Pinning Ceremony for Graduates of Practical Nursing Program

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Berkshire Community College (BCC) held a traditional pinning ceremony for graduates of its Practical Nursing Program on Thursday, June 26.
 
The event honored 22 graduates, three of whom received special awards. 
 
Award winners are as follows: 
  • Sarah McCormick, Academic Excellence in Nursing: This award is presented to the student who has the highest GPA within the LPN program and is given in acknowledgment of academic excellence in Nursing. This award recognizes the hard work and determination demonstrated by this student in the pursuit of nursing knowledge. 
  • Jeidi Paredes, Clinical Excellence in Nursing: This award is presented to the student who performs exemplary delivery of nursing skills in the clinical setting. This award recognizes the role of advocacy in nursing by promoting compassionate and holistic patient centered care. 
  • Edward Kuloba, Professionalism in Nursing: This award is presented to the student who is committed to high quality patient care, and role models teamwork and collaboration. This award recognizes the importance of communication, critical thinking and promotes the positive image of nursing. 
The graduates from Massachusetts are: 
  • Ahou Claudine Adiatou-Koffi, Pittsfield 
  • Celia Armstrong, Housatonic 
  • Gabrielle Barrett, Pittsfield  
  • Marleigh Briggs, Cheshire  
  • Yesmary Carela, Chicopee  
  • Courtney Decker, Dalton  
  • Erin Dillon, Pittsfield  
  • Gretchen Ghada, Sandisfield  
  • Miranda Harford, Pittsfield  
  • Natoniah Kemp-Williams, Pittsfield  
  • Chasidy Kery, Holyoke 
  • Edward Kuloba, West Springfield  
  • Jennifer Lippmann, Northampton  
  • Sarah McCormick, Adams 
  • Marina Morrison, South Lee  
  • Yachira Olivo, Springfield  
  • Elizabeth Paglier, Lanesborough  
  • Jeidi Paredes, Agawam 
  • Ariana Rave, Lee 
  • Jacqueline Rosa, Springfield  
  • Leticia Smachetti, Lenox Dale  
  • Amber Sumner, Dalton 
The wearing of the school pin symbolizes the right to serve others, signifying the acceptance of the responsibilities of the practice of nursing and the educational preparation of the wearer. The ceremony is a nursing school tradition dating to the turn of the twentieth century. The gold center of the pin features the college seal, including the words "To travel hopefully."   
 
The graduates wish to thank Paula and Stan Walczyk for their gift of the nursing pins.    
 
For more information about BCC Allied Health and Nursing programs, call the Admissions Office at (413) 236-1630 or visit www.berkshirecc.edu/nursing

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Pittsfield School Committee Appoints Latifah Phillips as Permanent Superintendent

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The School Committee enthusiastically voted to hire Latifah Phillips as the permanent superintendent on Wednesday. 

Appointed as the interim last spring, Phillips is said to have brought meaningful initiatives centered on student outcomes to the Pittsfield Public Schools in a short period of time. Her hire is pending a successful contract negotiation.

"We've had a lot of really difficult decisions since January, and I think this one is easy," committee member Heather McNeice said. 

There was applause from attendees after the vote. 

Three options were listed on the agenda: Hire Phillips, conduct a search and allow Phillips to apply, or conduct a search not allowing Phillips to apply based on the interim search. Committee member Sarah Muil made the motion to hire Phillips, explaining that from her first conversations with the educational leader, she has felt like Phillips was at home. 

"She has always been unwavering, and everything that she's done, she's always kept a calm and steady way of talking through every situation with families, with staff members, with us," Muil said. 

"I feel as though I'm growing up with her in some way through this experience, because she is showing us what a leader truly can be when you allow them to be in the role that they should be in."

Phillips, who joined the meeting virtually, said this is one of the most significant moments in her life and career, and that serving PPS during this interim year has reinforced her belief in restraint, resilience, and potential with students, staff, families, and the community.

She said she looks forward to advancing the district’s shared vision and ensuring that every decision is centered on the success and well-being of students.

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