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Lenox Memorial Names Top Students for the Class of 2025

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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.

Tags: graduation 2025,   val & sal,   

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The Classical Beat: Tanglewood, Sevenars Offer Thrilling Music and Performers

By Stephen DanknerSpecial to iBerkshires

With the second week of August, Tanglewood continues its high energy and innovative classical programming with three powerhouse concerts in the Shed – with highlights being especially illuminating, spiritual programs curated by Yo-Yo Ma in the Shed and in Ozawa Hall. Read below for all the details and performing artists appearing in these outstanding programs:

  • Friday, August 7, 8:00 p.m. in the Shed: The Boston Symphony, led by Samy Rachlid, with Renaud Capucon, violin, Yo-Yo Ma, cello, and the Berkshire Lyric Chorus directed by Jack Brown present a program entitled "Gratitude and Friendship." Featured works by composers Gabriel Fauré ('Cantique de Jean Racine',) Brahms (String Sextet No. 2 in G, Op. 36,) and concluding with Brahms' rarely-performed Double Concerto for violin, cello and orchestra, Op. 102.  
  • Saturday, August 8, 8:00 p.m. in the Shed:  This very special concert presents a journey in words and music we all share in our co-mingled American present: the land, both our individual and collective stories, and the ideals that motivate us. Together with the BSO and special guest musicians and artists, this program reflects the triumphs, tragedies and possibilities of our country. Featured performers include conductors Teddy Abrams and Ken-David Masur, vocalists Aofie O'Donovan and Jennifer Kreisberg, and members of  "An American Journey," with Yo-Yo Ma and Friends.
  • Sunday, August 9, 2:30 p.m. in the Shed: A program entitled "Our Future Together" presents music by John Tavener, Kayhan Kalhor and Osvaldo Golijov. Featured performers include conductors Samy Rachlid and Anna Handler, cellists Yo-Yo Ma, Karen Ouzounian, and Christine Lee, vocalist Arooj Aftab, Kayhan Kalhor, karmancheh (an ancient traditional bowed Persian stringed instrument,) and the Boston University Tanglewood Chorus.
  • Monday, August 10, 8:00 p.m. in Ozawa Hall: The Tanglewood Music Festival Orchestra, featuring TMC Conducting Fellows and TMC Vocalists, presents a program of American Opera, with works composed by Copland ('The Tender Land,') Tania Leon ('Scourge of the Hyacinths,') John Adams ('El Nino,') John Harbison ('The Great Gatsby,') Osvaldo Golijov ('Ainadamar,') Missy Mazzoli ('Proving Up') and Stravinsky ('The Rake's Progress'.)

For tickets for all Tanglewood/BSO concerts (lawn and Shed seating) and for special events call (617) 266-1200 or (413) 637-5180; online: tanglewood.org or customerservice@bso.org. In Lenox, visit the Tanglewood box office at the Main Gate located at 297 West Street.

Sevenars Music Festival

Sevenars presents an electrifying piano virtuoso

Founded in 1968, Sevenars Concerts, Inc., is celebrating its 58th season of six summer concerts, held at the Academy - now air-conditioned – a building designated "an acoustic gem in an idyllic setting," located in the  historic village of South Worthington,15 Ireland Street, off MA Route 112.

Sevenars is delighted to welcome back prizewinning virtuoso Junwen Liang, performing a stunningly varied American program entitled  "Echoes Across Horizons: American Voices in Classical Piano." 

Junwen graduated with a Graduate Performance Diploma from the Peabody Institute of Johns Hopkins University, under the tutelage of Richard Goode. See Junwenliangpianist.com for more about this wonderful artist.

He'll bring Sevenars a stunningly varied program, including music of Amy Beach, Florence Price, Tan Dun, Stephen Dankner, and the rare and masterful Sonata by Paul Aurandt, (sometimes described as a musical successor to Rachmaninoff) - along with other surprises! 

Sevenars concerts are presented on consecutive Sundays at 4:00 p.m. until August 16. Phone: (413) 238-5854 (please leave a message for a return call). Online: www.sevenars.org. Admission is by donation at the door (suggested $20). Refreshments will be available at no charge.

 

 

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