image description — Richard LaRocque served as the school's volleyball coach in the team's inaugural season this past year.

Adams Charter School Names Athletic Director

Community submission05:52PM / Monday, June 26, 2023Print Story | Email Story

ADAMS, Mass. – The Berkshire Arts and Technology Charter Public School Monday announced the selection of Richard LaRocque as the school’s athletic director.

LaRocque, finishing his seventh year at the school, is a high school science teacher who has taught chemistry, anatomy & physiology, and environmental science. He is an MCLA alumnus, graduating there in 2016 with a bachelor of science degree and a major in environmental studies and biology.

LaRocque has been an athlete most of his life, playing baseball, basketball, and tennis. He is also widely involved in wilderness and outdoor activities—as an avid hiker, skier and ski instructor, and outdoor adventurer. While a student at MCLA, he was a member of the college’s tennis team and captain of the team for the 2015-16 season.

“Rich is a terrific science teacher,” the school's executive director, Jay White, said. “And he shines as an enthusiastic member of the [the school's] community. He has brought his love of athletics to [the school] as well—from organizing after-school pickup basketball, to serving as assistant coach of the boys’ basketball team, to this year serving as head coach of [the school's] new interscholastic volleyball team. Rich will be a terrific director of athletics for [the school], caring for and advancing [the school's] sports in important ways.”

The charter school's interscholastic sports currently include cross country, soccer, basketball, ultimate frisbee, and volleyball. A member of the River Valley Athletic League, Berkshire Arts and Technology Charter is joined in RVAL by the Academy at Charlemont, Buxton School (Williamstown), Dublin (N.H.) School, Eagle Hill School (Hardwick), Four Rivers Charter Public School (Greenfield), Hartsbrook School (Hadley), High Mowing School (Wilton, N.H.), Pioneer Valley Performing Arts Charter Public School (South Hadley), Putney School (Putney, Vt.), St. Michael's School (Brattleboro, Vt.), Stoneleigh-Burnham School (Greenfield), and White Oak School (Westfield).

"Athletics is an essential part of [the school],” Assistant Principal Marcus Hass said. “Rich has a vision for [the school's] athletics, and I am confident that he will take us to the next level.”

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Anthony Birthplace's Executive Director Leaving

02:49PM / Monday, December 22, 2025

ADAMS, Mass. — The leadership at the Susan B. Anthony Birthplace Museum is changing with the departure of Executive Director James Capuzzi.

Capuzzi, hired in fall 2023, will be leaving at the end of the year to pursue a new opportunity closer to family in New Orleans. Museum officials say he leaves behind an impressive record of stability and growth.

"We are deeply grateful for James' dedicated leadership over the past two years, said Carol Crossed, museum founder and president of the board of directors. "During this time the museum has experienced tremendous growth in community engagement, grant funding, and educational programming."

According to Capuzzi, the decision to leave was not an easy one.

"It is hard to leave a role and a community that has been so welcoming to me and my family," he said. "I am proud of our impact locally and regionally and know that the museum board will continue its commitments to Adams and Berkshire County."

Thanks to Capuzzi's leadership and vision and through support from the Massachusetts Cultural Council and the Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation, museum's educational programs will reach more students.

"With these educational grants, we will be able to reach five schools and over 300 students in 2026," said Muriel Dyas, a longtime museum volunteer, historical re-enactor, and now a board member. "The Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation has been an invaluable partner, providing funding for educational outreach programs like 'Your Neighbor, Susan B. Anthony,' resources for institutional strategic planning, and support for our special exhibits."

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