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 Council OKs Underground Fiber Network

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — More underground fiber internet cables will be installed in Pittsfield. 

On Tuesday, the City Council approved Gateway Fiber's request to install an underground fiber network infrastructure within the city's right-of-way.  

The company was given the go-ahead for an aerial network last year alongside Archtop Fiber, marking the beginning of construction with a ribbon-cutting at the Colonial Theatre. Gateway Fiber will offer subscription plans ranging from $65 to $150 per month, depending on speed. 

Wards 3 and 4 will see the most work in the first phase, according to an underground fiber deployment plan.  Fourteen streets in Ward 4 will see underground fiber deployment; 13 streets in Ward 3.  

Ward 4 Councilor James Conant voted in opposition for personal reasons, as he signed up for Gateway Fiber briefly last year and said he had poor service and poor communication from the company. 

Some councilors and community members appreciated bringing competition to Spectrum internet services. Ward 5 Councilor Patrick Kavey pointed out that it costs about $90 per month for 500 megabytes per second with Spectrum, and that all three fiber services that have come to Pittsfield are cheaper. 

Operations Manager Jennifer Sharick explained that they were seeking approval for underground fiber deployment as part of the next phase in Pittsfield. The city was found to be a "very" viable community for underground fiber. 

Gateway Fiber, she said, originally served a community of 250 residents outside of St. Louis, Mo. 

"Following the pandemic, we saw the need, and what people need for fiber and reliable internet service to bring residents and businesses the opportunity for connectivity," Sharick said. 

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