LENOX, Mass. — Lenox Memorial High School has named Samuel Geller as valedictorian and Stefan Zygawski as the salutatorian for the graduating class of 2025.
Graduation ceremonies will be held on Sunday, June 8, at 1 p.m. at Tanglewood.
The following information was provided by the school:
Geller is the son of a Thai immigrant and has found Lenox to be a motivating and academically challenging environment for him to grow. Outside the classroom, he has committed himself to various meaningful extracurricular and athletic activities.
His academic interests are wide ranging — he enjoys both the sciences and the humanities, with a particular focus on language studies. He speaks both English and Thai at home, and took AP Latin and Spanish. He has earned his Seal of Biliteracy in Latin, which he is quite proud of. The most life-changing extracurricular he has participated in is cross country running. As a member of the 2022 State Championship team and the 2023 Western Mass Championship team, he has enjoyed his share of success on the field. However, the most meaningful part of his athletic career was his time with his teammates and coach Al Najimy, who have helped him grow in so many ways.
Beyond his athletic involvements, Geller was part of a school writing club and has volunteered at Volunteers in Medicine in Great Barrington, where he was able to put his Spanish to use at the front desk. He has also played the clarinet in the school band and learns guitar on his own time.
Although he does not have a completely clear vision for his future, Geller is headed to Williams College in Williamstown in the fall with an undecided major. He plans to take a pre-med track but wants to further explore his interests in the humanities as well.
He is grateful for the support and opportunities he has received at Lenox Memorial and wishes his classmates all the best as they embark on their respective journeys.
Zygawski is a remarkable student and dedicated community member, the son of immigrants, and has distinguished himself through his academic achievements, extracurricular involvement, and commitment to service. His academic excellence is evidenced by his induction into the National Honor Society and his recognition as an AP Scholar.
Beyond the classroom, he was an active and influential participant in various school clubs and competitions. A former member of the Robotics Club, he also served as the president of Mock Trial, demonstrating his leadership and critical
thinking skills. His passion for mathematics shone through as a competitor in the WPI Math Competition.
Outside of his academic pursuits, Zygawski dedicated his time to volunteering, making a tangible impact on his community. He also nurtured a unique blend of interests, including astronomy, hockey, and playing guitar.
Zygawski plans to pursue a career in medicine. He has been accepted into an accelerated medical program at Lake Erie (Pa.) College of Osteopathic Medicine, a testament to his ambition and the strong foundation he built at Lenox Memorial.
Lenox Memorial High School community congratulates Stefan on this outstanding achievement and wishes him the very best as he embarks on his journey to become a medical professional.
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First Responder Awards Honor Excellence, Highlight Mental Health
By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff
Keynote speaker Nicole Ferry, above, urged first responders not to suffer in silence; right, the committee recognized outstanding work by its members.
Reader's note: This article discusses suicide. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is 1-800-273-8255. To contact the Crisis Text Line, text HELLO to 741741. More information on crisis hotlines in Massachusetts can be found here.
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — First responders gathered at the Proprietor's Lodge last week in advance of EMS Week to celebrate and support their colleagues.
The EMS Awards Banquet, held by the Emergency Medical Services Committee of Berkshire County, included 20 awards for outstanding responses to specific calls over the past year and for excellence in various fields.
Brian Andrews, president of County Ambulance Services and EMSCO, said its mission is to support and uplift the EMS community with compassionate care, critical resources, and "unwavering support" to first responders and their families.
"That mission is built on a simple but powerful principle: caring for our own," he said.
"… EMS is a profession built around caring for others, but those who care for others also need to be cared for. They need support, encouragement, training, resources, recognition, and at times they need to know that this community stands behind them and their families."
Andrews said EMSCO is one of the most active and successful county EMS organizations in Western Mass, and while its members may wear different patches and serve different communities, when the call comes in, they are all connected by the same mission.
The evening included a $1,000 donation from EMSCO member Berkshire Community College Foundation, and County Ambulance paramedic supervisor Austin White requested that his 40 Under 40 donation be sent to the committee.
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Brooke Harrington scored four goals, and Abigail Rodhouse had a hat trick as Wahconah won its second straight Western Mass title and the rubber match against the Mounties in the third one-goal game between the teams this spring. click for more
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