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Wahconah Names Valedictorian and Salutatorian for 2025

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DALTON, Mass. — Logan D. Kunde and Thomas A. Celentano have been named valedictorian and salutatorian, respectively, for the 2025 graduating class at Wahconah Regional High School. 
 
Both students will speak at graduation ceremonies on Sunday, June 1, at 1 p.m. in the school gymnasium.
 
Kunde is the son of Jeremiah and Amanda Kunde, both of Dalton. While at Wahconah, Logan's academic program included Honors and Advanced Placement coursework. He is active in Wahconah's athletic program, participating in the cross country running team and swim team, of which he was captain. He is a Boy Scout with Dalton's Troop 4 and a senior patrol leader. Through his work on multiple service projects, he earned the highest rank attainable — Eagle Scout — in 2025. He is a member of the National Honor Society, Quiz Team and the Cultural Connections Club, and plays percussionin the high school band.
 
He is a recipient of the John Philip Sousa Music Award, the John and Abigail Adams Award, and the Superintendent's Academic Excellence Award. 
 
Kunde also received the Rensselaer Medal from the Rensselaer (N.Y.) Polytechnic Institute, which he plans to attend in the fall to study chemical engineering.
 
Celentano is the son of David and Anna Celentano, both of Dalton. He pursued an Honors and Advanced Placement curriculum at Wahconah and has been active in the many service projects sponsored by the National Honor Society. He is the Class of 2025 treasurer, a member of the Wahconah Student Council and Quiz Team and the Dalton Youth Advisory Board, and serves as a lector for St. Agnes' Parish.
 
He also is a member of Boy Scouts Troop 4, earning his Eagle Scout rank in 2025, and was selected as a student representative to attend the 2024 Massachusetts American Legion Boys State Conference.
 
Celentano received the Clarkson University High School Leadership Award and the Cornell Club of the Berkshires Outstanding Junior Award. He has been recognized with several schoolwide awards including AP Scholar designation, and is a John and Abigail Adams Award recipient. 
 
Celentano will attend the University of Rochester (N.Y.) in the fall and plans to major in physics.

Tags: graduation 2025,   val & sal,   WRHS,   

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Pittsfield Holiday Inn Temporarily Closes

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

PITTSFIELD, Mass.— The Holiday Inn & Suites is temporarily shut down, and 101 Restaurant & Bar has closed its doors until further notice. 

The hotel has been closed since Sept. 25, after its last working elevator of three broke down.  The Berkshire Eagle reported that guests were forced to evacuate because an elevator broke down. 

On Wednesday, 101 Restaurant & Bar posted on Facebook that they would close until further notice due to circumstances beyond their control and the closure of the Holiday Inn. 

"We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience and appreciate your understanding. We thank you and our staff for your patience. We look forward to welcoming you back as soon as we are able," the owners wrote. 

The central downtown, 12-story hotel has nearly 180 guest rooms.  Massachusetts requires public multi-level buildings and facilities to have elevator access. 

The Holiday Inn recently demolished its crumbling parking garage and is replacing it with a smaller one.  The building at 1 West Street was constructed in 1972; it was formerly known as the Crowne Plaza. 

101 Restaurant opened five years ago within the hotel.  It is owned by John and Tucker McNinch, who formerly operated the Olde Heritage Tavern in Lenox. 

Signs on the hotel's entrance explain that the doors are temporarily locked.  Anyone with questions is encouraged to call (413) 499-2000. 

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