Monument Mountain Announces Valedictorian, Salutatorian for 2021

GREAT BARRINGTON, Mass. — Karina Mahida has earned the distinction of valedictorian for the Monument Mountain Regional High School class of 2021 and Abigail Zeik has earned the distinction of salutatorian.

These students will receive scholastic medallions and certificates awarded by the Berkshire Hills Regional School District at commencement exercises on Saturday, June 5, at 1:30 p.m. at Monument Mountain Regional High School.

The following profiles of the class speakers were provided by the high school.

Mahida, daughter of Jignesh and Rita Mahida of Great Barrington, is a member of the National Honor Society, the recipient of the Chang Chavkin Scholarship, the University of Rochester Bausch & Lomb Award, the Daughters of the American Revolution Good Citizen Certificate and the President's Educational Award. Mahida is highly motivated and holds herself to the highest standards but more importantly demonstrates the utmost humility and kindness through all of her commitments. She has been a leader in Monument Mountain's restorative justice work and has worked tirelessly on building a student advocacy group, continuing the work virtually throughout the pandemic. She has been a leader in student government, service groups and on athletic teams.

Mahida has been accepted and enrolled at Harvard University, where she plans to pursue biology, philosophy and the pre-med program.

Zeik, daughter of Todd and Helen Zeik of Great Barrington, is a National Honor Society member and the recipient of the Rensselaer Institute of Technology Math & Science Award, the Austen Riggs/Erikson Institute-Evelyn Stefansson Nef Scholarship, and the President's Educational Award. She is an accomplished musician, playing first violin and participating in the All-Western Massachusetts District Orchestra every year and winning the National Orchestra Award. Her contributions to the community include her service as class president, in which she demonstrated grace, composure and creative problem solving in navigating the challenges of being a senior through a pandemic.

Zeik has been accepted and enrolled at the University of Connecticut, where she plans to major in biological sciences or biochemistry..

Lt. Governor Driscoll Visits Great Barrington Businesses

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff
05:50AM / Wednesday, December 24, 2025

Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll, Housing Secretary Ed Augustus and state Rep. Leigh Davis are ready to chop wood out back of Pleasant and Main. 

GREAT BARRINGTON, Mass. — Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll did some holiday shopping on Main Street last week after announcing millions of federal Community Development Block Grant funds. 

She was glad to see an array of small-business owners thriving, and the eclectic items that Great Barrington has to offer. 

"We know that the vibrancy of communities can often be defined by what's happening on Main Street," she said. 

"It's great to be here in Great Barrington and see so many independent entrepreneurs who are running really, not only fun, but businesses that are doing well, and we want to try and find ways to uplift and support that work moving forward." 

State Rep. Leigh Davis coordinated a business tour with Pleasant and Main Cafe and General Store, Robbie's Community Market, and Butternut Ski Mountain. While downtown, Driscoll also stopped at Coco's Candy and Rob's Records and Audio. 

Earlier that day, the Healey-Driscoll administration announced $33.5 million in federal CDBG funds at the Housatonic Community Center. Great Barrington, in conjunction with Egremont and Stockbridge, has been allocated $ 1.25 million to rehabilitate approximately 14 housing units.  A new Rural and Small Town Housing Choice Community designation for its Housing Choice Initiative was also launched. 

Davis emphasized the significance of the state announcing these dollars in the small village of Housatonic.  

Craig Bero, founder of Pleasant and Main, prepared desserts and hors d'oeuvres for the group at his cozy cafe across the street from the Housatonic Community Center. Bero opened more than a decade ago after migrating from New York City, and Pleasant and Main offers sustainable, organic meals for an affordable price while enjoying the museum of antiques that is the restaurant.