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 25.
 
The event honored 26 graduates, three of whom received special awards.
 
Award winners are as follows:
  • Amanda Markham, 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.
  • Clement Lim, 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.
  • Viktoriia Sheremet, 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 are:
  • Anais Almanzar, Springfield, MA 
  • Alana Black, Springfield, MA 
  • Candace Branch, Springfield, MA 
  • Louise Cameron, Springfeld, MA 
  • Deja Caulton, Springfield, MA 
  • Fredrick Chetambe, Indian Orchard, MA 
  • Edmond Coleman, Pittsfield, MA 
  • Christina Essien, Pittsfield, MA 
  • Marissa Felter, Cheshire, MA 
  • Blaze Galarza-Perez, Pittsfield, MA 
  • Clement Lim, Pittsfield, MA 
  • Hollie Lombardi, Pittsfield, MA 
  • Melanie Lutz, North Adams, MA
  • Amanda Markham, Pittsfield, MA 
  • Sabrina Mason, Pownal, VT
  • Maribel Mojica, Springfield, MA 
  • Ryan Musambai, Indian Orchard, MA 
  • Cynthialynn Perales, Westfield, MA
  • Darrishae Potts, Pittsfield, MA 
  • Joshua Richmond, East Longmeadow, MA
  • Krystal Rodriguez, Springfield, MA
  • Britney Rogers, Pittsfield, MA 
  • Fleur Sereko, Pittsfield, MA 
  • Viktoriia Sheremet, Springfield, MA
  • Hailey Weslowski, Cheshire, MA 
  • Gasteena Wright, Pittsfield, MA
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 time-honored 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."  
 
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 Schools Finalizing Bus Routes for Fall

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The district currently has enough bus drivers for the upcoming school year, and families will know their child's transportation schedule in mid-August. 

With about five weeks left of summer vacation, Superintendent Latifah Phillips updated the School Committee on transportation for the 2026-2027 year with middle school restructuring and the closure of Morningside Community School. 

Busing is a question that has continuously been raised as the Pittsfield Public Schools approach an academic year with a couple of big changes. 

"The reason that the bus stops and times aren't shared until very close to the school year is that routes change based on every student that moves into the district and requires a bus, and so it's important for us to wait as late as possible to ensure that families are getting the most accurate timetable," Phillips explained during a meeting held at Reid Middle School on Thursday. 

"We are also continuing to explore after-school transportation for the four schools receiving Morningside, and a survey was given to students who attend the Summer Morningside 21st Century Program to assess transportation needs."

That survey found that transportation does not appear to be a big impediment to students participating in the after-school program, but funding is set aside to ensure students are able to access the same services as they were the previous year. 

The district is still planning to offer after-school programming for Morningside transfer students, and is working with the four receiving elementary schools (Allendale, Egremont, Williams, Capeless) to plan a practice bus ride. 

Phillips explained that, for someone who has never ridden a bus before, and especially a school bus, they want to ensure that students are poised for success and understand the rules and expectations before the first ride. Students will be able to get on the bus, ride the route, arrive at school, have a quick break, maybe play on the playground and have a popsicle, then return home on the bus. 

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