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Graduates line up before entering the Shed on Sunday.

Pittsfield High Grads Urged to 'Work Hard, Be Nice'

By Mackenzie HaigiBerkshires Intern
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Photos by Mackenzie Haig
The Pittsfield High class of 2010 earned more than $1 million in awards and scholarships.
LENOX, Mass. — The day ended dark and drizzly, but it was full of potential for the graduates gathered under the Shed at Tanglewood on Sunday afternoon.

Pittsfield High School awarded 210 diplomas to the purple- and white-gowned seniors making up the graduating class of 2010, a class that had earned more than $1 million in scholarships and awards, said School Committee Chairwoman Kathleen Amuso.

Interim Principal JoAnne V. Soules, who came out of retirement to shepherd the high school through this past year, urged the class to lead their lives in the most appealing way: "work hard, be nice."

"Remember, being nice is an achievement, whether you are CEO of Starbucks or selling lattes over the counter," she told the graduates seated before her. "Someone once said, 'Nobody will remember exactly what you did or what you said, but will remember you for how you make them feel.' You made me feel happy and proud."

Class President Amanda Turner recalled how the class was diverse but over the past year "bridged those differences." The senior prank, which set hundreds of upside-down cups on the school's front steps to spell out PHS, she said, was the culmination of that learning and "allowed us to be unified for one last night."


More photos here; awards and scholarships, here.
Amuso announced the scholarships and advanced placement; Superintendent Howard J. Eberwein III presented the special awards and Vice Principal Frank K. Cote the recognition of honors and high honors.


Normally the school recognizes the top 10 (rather than a valedictorian and salutatorian) but a three-way tie this year resulted in a dozen students making the grade for outstanding academic recognition: Shaena Alfonsi, Caitlin Bird, Matthew Bird, Chad Civello, Sandra Hays, Kayla Helitzer, Patrick Hennessey, Alzie Mercado, Anna Murphy, Holly Palardy, Marissa Skutnik and Marcus Widitor.

The concert band played the national anthem and other selections; the senior chorus came together for a final time to sing "The Parting Glass."

Diplomas were presented by Pittsfield Mayor James M. Ruberto and Dean of Students Joseph Benjamin.

Eberwein reiterated his commandments to follow the four Cs he'd given a few hours earlier to the Taconic High graduates: collect knowledge and friendships; connect what you collect; create, this generation being more creative than any past generation, and Chinese — food that is. However, he noted that the Chinese have more honor students than there are students in the United States, something to keep in mind as the 21st century takes off.

"Advice and information can be found in the most subtle places," he said, noting his fondness for fortune cookies. "You have the power to be inspirational."

Soules will retire once again as the graduates head into their future; Tracey Benson, vice principal of Herberg Middle School, takes over the reins at PHS this summer.

"You are nice group of students who treated each other kindly," said Soules, reflecting on the past year. "I will remember your humor, kindness, joy and spirit."
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Possible Measles Exposure at Boston, Logan

BOSTON — The Massachusetts Department of Public Health confirmed Wednesday that an out-of-state adult visitor who spent time in Boston and Westborough earlier this month was diagnosed with measles and was present in a number of locations.
 
This could have resulted in other people being exposed to measles virus.
 
The visitor arrived at Logan International Airport on American Airlines flight 2384 from Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas, on Dec. 11 at 2:39 p.m. They stayed at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Boston-Westborough in Westborough and departed the state on Dec. 12 via Logan at 9:19 p.m. on JetBlue flight 117 to Las Vegas.
 
DPH is working with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and local partners to identify and notify those who may have been exposed to measles from this individual.
 
"Measles is a highly contagious, airborne disease, which has increased significantly in the United States because of the unfortunate decrease in vaccination rates. It is also a preventable disease," said Public Health Commissioner Dr. Robbie Goldstein. "This current situation serves as an important reminder of the critical role vaccination plays in protecting our communities. While Massachusetts has not had a measles case this year, 2025 saw the highest number of nationwide cases in more than a decade — nearly 2,000 in 44 jurisdictions, and sadly, three deaths. 
 
"Fifteen years ago, measles had been considered eliminated in the United States, but that tremendous progress is at risk. Vaccines are one of the most important public health interventions ever — they are safe, effective, and lifesaving."
 
Measles is very contagious. However, the risk to most people in Massachusetts is low because the vaccination rate in the state is high. People who are not immune and visited any of the locations on the following dates and times may be at risk for developing measles.
 
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