CHESHIRE, Mass. — Hoosac Valley High School has named the top students for the class of 2026.
Valedictorian Anna Thurston and salutatorian Alexis Warner will speak at graduation ceremonies on Friday, June 5, at 6 p.m. in the school gymnasium.
Thurston, daugther of Thomas and Julie Thurston of Cheshire, has taken Advanced Placement and honors courses, including receiving a Presidential Award in AP World History. In addition to the Superintendents' Award, she has received the Rensselaer (N.Y.) Polytechnic Institute Medal, a first-degree certification in chainsaw and first place in a General Dynamics engineering competition.
During her time at Hoosac Valley, she has served three years on the Student Council, as secretary of the National Honor Society chapter and participated in Portrait of a Graduate and World of Difference. Thurston has been involved with Leo Club for five years, serving as secretary, treasurer and president, and a member of the stage crew for high school productions, and stage manager for "Seussical the Musical."
She was a member of the school's volleyball team, medaled in figure skating at the Bay State Games and holds a black belt in taekwondo. She has volunteered on trips to the food bank and in town cleanups in Adams.
Thurston plans to attend the University of New Hampshire's Honors College to major in mechanical engineering.
Warner is the daughter of Corey and Laura Warner of Cheshire. She also took AP and honors courses, earning an AP Scholars Award and a Sage Colleges Student Sage Award.
During her time at Hoosac, she was treasurer of the National Honor Society chapter, secretary of the Student Council, and a member of the Leo Club, World of Difference, and the Student-Adult Advisory Board. She also played on the girls volleyball and was a member of the stage crew for high school productions.
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Friday Front Porch Feature: A Charming Home in Adams
By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff
ADAMS, Mass. — Are you looking for a charming and inviting home? Then this is the one for you.
Our Friday Front Porch is a weekly feature spotlighting attractive homes for sale in Berkshire County. This week, we are showcasing 125 Friend St.
This newly renovated 1960 home has three bedrooms and one bathroom. It is 1,239 square feet on a 1 1/2 acre lot.
The house includes a basement level two-car garage, an eat-in kitchen and a sunroom perfect for all seasons. The house recently got new paint, new carpets, and a new 200-amp electrical service.
It is on the market for $349,000.
We spoke with Stephanie Rapisarda from William Pitt Sotheby’s International Realty, which holds the listing.
What do you think makes this house stand out in the current market?
It offers something difficult to find: a home that has been lovingly maintained by the same family for over six decades and is now being offered for the first time. Combined with its spacious 1.49 acre lot, beautifully renovated bathroom, and versatile four-season sunroom, this home presents a rare opportunity for buyers seeking both comfort and long-term value.
Do you know any unique stories about this home or its history?
Oh so many! My grandfather built the home. He and my grandmother raised their family there and when their kids had children, it remained a special haven for our entire family. My grandfather started his company CTC Inc. in the basement of the home, and his son still owns and operates the business today, now on a much larger scale.
The home's foundation is truly one of love. The pride of ownership is evident throughout the home, from its careful maintenance to the thoughtful updates that have preserved its character while enhancing everyday living.
How would you describe the feel or atmosphere of this home?
Warm, welcoming, and easy to live in. The home has a comfortable Berkshire feel, with bright living spaces, a practical layout, and a peaceful setting that makes it easy to relax and unwind. The four-season sunroom, back porch and beautiful yard create a wonderful connection to the outdoors throughout the year while still being right in town.
Our Friday Front Porch is a weekly feature spotlighting attractive homes for sale in Berkshire County. This week, we are showcasing 125 Friend St.
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