Fall Foliage Parade Float Winners

• Harry S. Orr Award (Best Overall): Very Good with "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland"
• Hayden Award (2nd place): North Adams Pride with "Drag Queen Story Time"
• Mayor's Award (3rd place): Clarksburg School with "The Wonderful World of Seuss"
• Grand Marshal's Award (4th place): Studio North with "Once Upon a Time in Barbieland"
• Parade Director's Award (5th place): Berkshire Dance Theatre with "Alice in Wonderland"

Drury Hosts Inaugural Government Appreciation Day

By Jack GuerinoiBerkshires Staff
01:17PM / Sunday, May 05, 2024

State Rep. John Barrett III explains his role in the state Legislature to students during Government Appreciation Day at Drury on Friday.

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Eighth-grade students learned about civics firsthand during the school's inaugural Massachusetts Government Appreciation Day.

 

"Government is strongest when every individual feels as though they are part of the process," said civics teacher Patrick Boulger, before introducing the Friday's guest speakers. "Today is the day when you have an opportunity to be part of this process and learn from individuals who have dedicated their lives to government service."

 

The event is a new addition to the eighth-grade civics curriculum, to provide students with a deeper understanding of state and local governance before they take Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System's civics exam

 

Mayor Jennifer Macksey, former Gov. Jane Swift, state Rep. John Barrett III, Assessor Jessica Lincourt and the mayor's executive assistant Lindsay Randall all addressed students in breakout sessions and explained their role in government.

 

Macksey started her presentation by telling her own story starting as a Drury High School graduate. 

 

She said her first job in government was a little less glamorous.

 

"My first job with the city truly was at the dump," she said pointing out the window toward where the city dump used to be. "I sold composting bins, and I did such a good job I was able to get a part-time job in the public service department at City Hall."