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Mount Greylock Names Student Speakers for 2024 Graduation

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WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. — Two students will be the speakers for Mount Greylock Regional School's 2024 graduation ceremonies on Saturday, June 8, at 11 a.m. in the school gymnasium. 
 
Judge P. Martin was chosen to speak by the graduating class and Vincent P. Welch was selected by the faculty. The high school provided the following information about their educational and athletic achievements.
 
Martin has shown dedication to academic excellence and  his athletic prowess has been remarkable. On the basketball court, his skills and leadership were evident as he served as a key varsity team member for four years, culminating in this role as team captain during his senior year. Similarly, on the football field, his exceptional leadership qualities have shown through as he captained the team during his junior and senior years, leading by example and inspiring his teammates to strive for excellence. 
 
In addition to his academic and athletic achievements, Martin has demonstrated his commitment to serving his school and community in various leadership roles. As the class vice president during his junior and senior years, he played an integral role in representing his peers. He also served on the Student Athletic Advisory Council and was a member of the Youth Environmental Squad, further showcasing his dedication to making a positive impact both on and off the field. 
 
Martin's commitment to community service has also been commendable. From assisting elderly residents with yard work, working with Little Kid track, or serving as a summer camp counselor at the Williamstown Youth Center, he has consistently demonstrated his willingness to give back and make a difference in the lives of others. 
 
Martin will attend Springfield College in the fall. He lives in Williamstown with his parents, Colleen and Thomas, and his siblings. 
 
Welch's dedication to academic excellence and community involvement also has been extraordinary. Serving as class president for four consecutive years, he has consistently demonstrated leadership abilities and a passion for making a difference. 
 
He has excelled in athletics as a member of both the track and field and cross-country running teams. His exceptional talent and dedication have earned him recognition, including the MIAA Wellness Pillar Award for three consecutive years. Welch's commitment to sportsmanship and teamwork has been exemplary, reflecting his character and values on and off the field. 
 
Beyond academics and athletics, he has showcased his artistic talents through his involvement in the music and theater programs. As a saxophonist, member of the band, jazz band participant, and actor in numerous musical productions, Welch has brought joy and creativity to the stage, captivating audiences with his performances. 
 
His dedication to community service is equally commendable. From mentoring middle school athletes to volunteering with organizations such as Little Kids track and cross country and serving as an assistant coach for youth sports teams, he has positively impacted the lives of others in his community. 
 
Welch's accomplishments extend beyond the confines of his high school campus. As an Eagle Scout and active member of the Boy Scouts, he has demonstrated leadership, responsibility, and a commitment to service that has earned him the respect and admiration of his peers and mentors. 
 
He resides in New Ashford with his siblings and parents, Jennifer and Jeffrey Welch. As he prepares to embark on his collegiate journey at Providence (R.I.) College, Welch carries hard work, integrity, and dedication values that have shaped his success thus far. 
 

Tags: graduation 2024,   MGRS,   valedictorian,   

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Companion Corner: Max at Second Chance

By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff

ARLINGTON, Vt. — There is a dog at Second Chance Animal Shelter whose blindness doesn't stop him from wanting to play fetch with his new family.

iBerkshire's Companion Corner is a weekly series spotlighting an animal in our local shelters that is ready to find a home.

Max is a 3-year-old border collie has been patiently waiting at the shelter since January 2023.

Lead canine care technician Alaura Lasher introduced us to him.

"He is a mostly blind dog, so we're looking for someone who is willing to work with him and his blindness, he actually does really well, even though he can't see for the most part," she said. 

Max was given to the shelter after his previous owner was not able to care for his special needs. His new owner will have to be able to care for him and make sure his eyes are checked every six months.

"He has degenerative retinal atrophy. He had a surgery for this a year ago. Unfortunately, he didn't seem to gain much eyesight back from that, and we're just monitoring him for glaucoma. He would need someone who is ready to take him to the ophthalmologist every six months," said Lasher. "He gets checkups every six months just to make sure he hasn't developed glaucoma yet and nothing is worsening with his eyes."

It is suggested he goes to a home with older children who can understand his condition as well as no other pets, and a safe place for him to run free without worry of getting lost. Especially to play his favorite game of fetch.

"We do suggest a home with no other animals, just because with his blindness, it's a little hard for him to know how to interact with them. We also suggest a home with a fenced in yard again, because he loves to play fetch. He will play fetch for as long as you will let him, and he does amazing at it, even though he doesn't have the best eyes," Lasher said.

Max is on an eye-drop schedule that will need to be followed.

"He does require multiple eye drops a day, so someone would have to be ready and willing to kind of stick to his eye med schedule and be able to administer those daily," she said.

Max has shown signs of reactivity to strangers and animals and would do great if his next family could work with him in socializing. 

"He's a very smart dog. He's very intelligent. I think he would do really well with some basic training. Since he's very toy driven, that would definitely kind of help him in his learning and training process."

If you think Max might be the boy for you, reach out to Second Chance Animal Shelter and learn more about him on the website.

Second Chance Animal Shelter is open Tuesday through Sunday 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 3 p.m. It is located at 1779 VT Route 7A. Contact the shelter at 802-375-2898 or info@2ndchanceanimalcenter.org.

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