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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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Williamstown Nov. 5 Ballot Includes CPA Tax Exemption

By Stephen DravisiBerkshires Staff
WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. — In addition to the various federal and state offices and statewide ballot initiatives on this fall's election ballot, Williamstown voters will decide whether to approve an initiative that already passed overwhelmingly at this May's annual town meeting.
 
Question 6 on the Nov. 5 ballot would finalize an exemption to the Community Preservation Act property tax surcharge for homeowners who meet either low-income or, for seniors, moderate-income standards.
 
All homes in town currently are subject to the CPA surcharge, which helps fund projects related to historic preservation, open space and recreation or affordable housing.
 
Residents pay 2 percent of their property tax toward the CPA, with the first $100,000 of home valuation exempted. In other words, if one owns a home valued at the median for the town, $439,100 in FY 2025, its property tax bill for the current fiscal year is $6,060.
 
But its CPA tax is based on what the tax bill would be for a $339,100 home, so instead of paying $121.20 (2 percent of $6,060), the owner pays $93.59 (2 percent of $4,679.58) toward the CPA fund.
 
Under the exemption enabled by town meeting in May, that tax bill would drop to $0 for all homeowners who make less than 80 percent of the area median income or seniors who make less than 100 percent of the AMI.
 
The CPA exemption was one of a number of four targeted tax relief efforts that the Select Board brought to town meeting for its approval — all of which were passed by meeting members. The change to the CPA differed in two respects: it also requires a vote in the general election and, rather than shifting taxation away from income-eligible seniors, it actually reduces the amount of money the town will raise through taxation.
 
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