Pittsfield High Grads Urged to 'Work Hard, Be Nice'
 Photos by Mackenzie Haig
The Pittsfield High class of 2010 earned more than $1 million in awards and scholarships. |
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."
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 More photos here; awards and scholarships, here. |
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."
