BMS Announces Talent and Merit Scholarship Recipients

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Berkshire Music School announced the 2025-2026 Talent and Merit Scholarship recipients. 
 
Students who are accepted into the Talent & Merit Scholarship Program benefit from up to 100 percent tuition assistance. Last year, BMS awarded over $35,000 in Talent, Merit, and Need-Based Financial Aid Scholarships. BMS continues to take Need-Based Financial Aid Scholarship applications on a rolling basis, with enrollment open in August. 
 
The BMS Scholarship Program, which includes the Talent & Merit Scholarships and the rolling Need-Based Financial Aid Scholarships, remains integral to its mission of allowing students to learn and grow in the Berkshire County region without financial constraints.
 
The 2025 – 2026 Talent & Merit Scholarship Recipients: 
  • Tracy R. Wilson Scholarship – Shira Weiner
  • Helen and Milton Fink Memorial Scholarship - Artois Sancho
  • Gia Cox Caird Scholarship - Alyviana Manion
  • England/Scott Family Fund of the Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation- Nina Rather
  • Paul Houston Memorial Scholarship - Sai Meesala
  • The Ruberto Scholarship - James Ryan
  • Daniel Pearl Scholarship - Abigail Kunzmann
  • Paderweski Scholarship - Kendall Heck
  • Chopin Scholarship - Anderson Durfee
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Hinsdale OKs Police Department Audit After Fatal Shooting

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

HINSDALE, Mass. — The town has approved $25,000 for an administrative review of the police department, more than two months after police fatally shot 27-year-old Biagio Kauvil during a mental health crisis. 

Town Administrator Robert Graves said the shooting on Jan. 7 is not the only focus of the audit, and it will be several months before the Select Board receives a final report. 

During a special town meeting on March 11, an article appropriating $25,000 from free cash for an independent consultant to conduct a professional evaluation and audit of the Town's Police Department was approved. The audit includes a review of the department's policies, protocols, operations, and procedures, and concludes with a written report. 

"The Berkshire County District Attorney's Office and Massachusetts State Police are investigating the shooting, and we await their conclusions.  As we look to move forward, the International Association of Chiefs of Police, our insurance company (MIIA/Cabot Risk), and our legal counsel have recommended that the town hire an independent law enforcement consultant or firm to conduct a comprehensive administrative review of our police operation," Graves wrote in an email to iBerkshires on Friday. 

"This event is not their focus; they will assess the overall operation. We want a written assessment of our police operation's strengths and weaknesses to help Hinsdale make future changes and improvements." 

He said after completing the procurement process and signing a contract with a reputable consultant or business, it will most likely be several months before the Select Board receives the final report. 

"Still, it will help the town and police department move forward," Graves wrote. 

Last weekend, family and friends of Kauvil stood in Park Square asking for justice. A flier for the standout reads "Biagio was killed by police while experiencing a mental health crisis. Now, over seven weeks later, authorities have not yet provided any updates.

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