Rotary Club Honors Students With Scholarships

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Seven Local Students Are Recipients of Annual Awards

PITTSFIELD, Mass. – At a recent meeting of the Rotary Club of Pittsfield, seven students from the three city high schools and Berkshire Community College were honored with scholarships by the club. President Ron Latham and Scholarship Chairman Thomas Sherman presented each of the students with scholarship checks of $1,500 each. The club has traditionally sponsored the scholarship program for many years.

“The scholarships that are given for both academic and vocational/technical students, are based on financial need,” said Sherman. “They are awarded to also help them to grow both financially and spiritually toward their dreams and goals.” Receiving this year’s award from St. Joseph’s High School was Corey North, who was introduced by his guidance counselor, Leslie Walton. From Pittsfield High School: Rebecca King, daughter of Jonathan and Heather King of Pittsfield, who was introduced by her guidance counselor, Janice Barry. Samary Cardona was introduced by her guidance counselor Sandra Ray. From Taconic High School were Melanie Comeau, daughter of Todd and Carla Comeau, who was introduced by her guidance counselor

Sarah Maddalena and Jennifer Dean, daughter of Craig and Angela Dean, who was introduced by her guidance counselor Marcie Sammons. From Berkshire Community College was Joseph Kovacs who was introduced by Beth Wallace. A special nursing scholarship was awarded to Leon Lazarevic, also introduced by Beth Wallace and Rotarian Ralph Cianflone.

In addition to the club’s members, the students received their awards in the presence of their school administrators, principals, family members and friends.
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Taconic High Names Top Students of the Class of 2026

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Taconic High School Principal Matthew Bishop has announced the valedictorian and salutatorian of the class of 2026. 
 
They will speak during the graduation ceremony on Friday, June 12, at 4 p.m at Tanglewood in Lenox. 
 
Gavin O'Donnell, son of Kevin and Colleen O'Donnell of Pittsfield, has been named valedictorian with a grade average of 103. Hunter Bentz, son of Heidi Bentz of Pittsfield, has been named salutatorian with a grade average of 102.4.
 
Throughout his high school career, O'Donnell has exemplified the values of leadership, commitment, and excellence that define the Taconic community. He achieved high honors all four years and made significant contributions to both the school and the wider community. He was an active member of the Link Crew, Green and Gold, and Class Council, just to name a few of his activities. 
 
A dedicated athlete, O'Donnell played soccer and baseball all four years and was named captain of the varsity soccer and baseball teams both junior and senior years. His commitment to service extended beyond athletics, as he volunteered with Unified Games and was a math tutor at Taconic. He has also been an active part of Pittsfield Soccer Club, where he has helped
referee youth soccer games and assisted in getting the fields ready for game days.
 
He has earned several awards, including being a member of the National Honor Society,  the John and Abigail Adams Award, and being an AP Scholar and an AP Capstone Graduate. 
 
O'Donnell plans to pursue a degree in finance at Vassar College in Poughkeepsie, N.Y., where he will continue to play baseball and hopes to excel as a student. 
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