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Graduates of McCann's practical nursing program light the traditional lamps that hearken to nursing pioneer Florence Nightingale, 'the lady with the lamp.'
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Superintendent James Brosnan addresses the graduates.
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Practical nursing coordinator Chista Berthiaume reminds the graduates of how she told them nursing school would be a challenge.
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Students chose who awarded them their pins.
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School Committee Chair Gary Rivers presents the diplomas.
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McCann Postsecondary Nursing Pins 24

By Jack GuerinoiBerkshires Staff
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Carol Passley, senior director of nursing-acute care at Berkshire Medical Center, reminded the gradates to embrace change.
 
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — McCann Technical School celebrated 24 practical nursing program students Tuesday and wished them well, acknowledging the many lives they will impact in their careers.
 
"We see others step out of their comfort zone and become leaders, others impress us with their patient advocacy and clinical knowledge," practical nursing coordinator Chista Berthiaume said at the ceremony that was held in the school's gymnasium. "I am asking you to use these strengths to improve patient care and professional nursing. be the change that we need in today's local health care. You are gong to care for thousands of people over your careers."
 
After handing out special awards and recognitions, Berthiaume reminded her students that she told them that nursing school would be incredibly difficult — something they now understand. She added that the job itself will continue to be difficult and nurses need not forget to care for themselves.
 
She concluded that nurses do not seek "fame or glory" but enter the field to improve people's lives.
 
"People who are drawn to nursing don't look for fame or glory. It is not uncommon for people to say, 'I don't know how you do it,'" she said. "... Nurses are trusted by patients and their families and the most vulnerable. We see people at their weakest, scared, and most uncomfortable. We share sadness and joy and do whatever we can for our parents." 
 
Carol Passley, senior director of nursing-acute care at Berkshire Medical Center gave the graduation address, first noting what is special about health care in Berkshire County. 
 
"What I like about that Berkshires is that everyone is family, and you will see your family," she said. "You are going to be their resource."
 
She talked of her own education becoming a nurse and of her career. She spoke of the many positions she has held as well as the many changes she has seen in the field over the years.
 
Passley asked the students to embrace these changes as they often allow nurses to make "positive impacts on the lives of others." She also asked the graduates to continue to set goals and chase down opportunities to grow.
 
Superintendent James Brosnan also spoke and recognized the students as well as the support their family and friends provided. 
 
"Here are 24 people who really never knew each other until this, but they will keep these relationships for the rest of their lives," he said. "They share a common bond and through the guidance of the faculty they were able to succeed and be here. This is a monumental achievement and no one other than these 24 people know how hard that was except for their family and friends."
 
Scholarships and Awards
 
Rachel Canto Botto Rhodes RN Memorial Scholarship
Suzanne Jane Eline              $200
Caroline Marquis Gillette       $200
London Jian Green                $200
Betty Wangui Munene           $200
Mary Eve Paige                     $200
Ashley Megan Shippa           $200
Tracy Lynn Williams              $200
 
Fay Ellen Fosser Memorial Scholarship
London Jian Green              $800
Betty Wangui Munene         $400
Mary Eve Paige                   $400
 
Highest Academic Achievement Award
London Jian Green  
 
Future Nurse Leader Award
Jennifer McCue Ciempa
 
Rising Star Award
Hailey Genzabella
Emma Moser
 
Clinical Excellence Award
Brittany Bourassa
 
Class Representatives for the Advisory Committee
London Jian Green
Mary Paige
 
Class Representatives for the Faculty Committee
Suzanne Eline
Keri Serra
 
McCann 2023 Postsecondary Practical Nursing Graduates
 
Adams
Talya Janelle Kyse
Emma Claire Moser
Lauren Mary Tremlett
 
Dalton
Ashley Eileen Thomas
 
Lanesborough
Caroline Marquis Gillette
Jasmen Lashawn Pea
 
North Adams
Teyah Sierra Foley
London Jian Green *
Justine Marie Manns
Jennifer Lynn McCue-Ciempa
Betty Wangui Munene
Acindra Lyn Rondeau
 
Northfield
Ashley Megan Shippa
 
Pittsfield
Casey Leigh Bouchard
Brittany L. Bourassa
Suzanne Jane Eline
Hailey Elizabeth Genzabella
 
Rowe
Mary Eve Paige
 
Sheffield
Tori Ann Seward
 
Williamstown
Alexandra Marie Tower
 
Stamford, Vt.
Keri Leigh Serra
 
Arlington, Vt.
Katlyn Christina Welling
 
Hoosick Falls, N.Y.
Nicole L. Pelletier +
Tracy Lynn Williams
 
*Denotes first in class
+Denotes second in class
 

Tags: McCann,   nursing education,   pinning,   

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Berkshire County Homes Celebrating Holiday Cheer

By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff

There's holiday cheer throughout the Berkshires this winter.

Many homeowners are showing their holiday spirit by decorating their houses. We asked for submissions so those in the community can check out these fanciful lights and decor when they're out.

We asked the homeowners questions on their decorations and why they like to light up their houses.

In Great Barrington, Matt Pevzner has decorated his house with many lights and even has a Facebook page dedicated to making sure others can see the holiday joy.

Located at 93 Brush Hill Road, there's more than 61,000 lights strewn across the yard decorating trees and reindeer and even a polar bear. 

The Pevzner family started decorating in September by testing their hundreds of boxes of lights. He builds all of his own decorations like the star 10-foot star that shines done from 80-feet up, 10 10-foot trees, nine 5-foot trees, and even the sleigh, and more that he also uses a lift to make sure are perfect each year.

"I always decorated but I went big during COVID. I felt that people needed something positive and to bring joy and happiness to everyone," he wrote. "I strive to bring as much joy and happiness as I can during the holidays. I love it when I get a message about how much people enjoy it. I've received cards thanking me how much they enjoyed it and made them smile. That means a lot."

Pevzner starts thinking about next year's display immediately after they take it down after New Year's. He gets his ideas by asking on his Facebook page for people's favorite decorations. The Pevzner family encourages you to take a drive and see their decorations, which are lighted every night from 5 to 10.

In North Adams, the Wilson family decorates their house with fun inflatables and even a big Santa waving to those who pass by.

The Wilsons start decorating before Thanksgiving and started decorating once their daughter was born and have grown their decorations each year as she has grown. They love to decorate as they used to drive around to look at decorations when they were younger and hope to spread the same joy.

"I have always loved driving around looking at Christmas lights and decorations. It's incredible what people can achieve these days with their displays," they wrote.

They are hoping their display carries on the tradition of the Arnold Family Christmas Lights Display that retired in 2022.

The Wilsons' invite you to come and look at their display at 432 Church St. that's lit from 4:30 to 10:30 every night, though if it's really windy, the inflatables might not be up as the weather will be too harsh.

In Pittsfield, Travis and Shannon Dozier decorated their house for the first time this Christmas as they recently purchased their home on Faucett Lane. The two started decorating in November, and hope to bring joy to the community.

"If we put a smile on one child's face driving by, then our mission was accomplished," they said. 

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