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First-grader Harlee Towne of Lee Elementary poses with her winning design for the 'ideal' school.
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Harlee also received congratulations from the House of Representatives.

Lee Elementary Student Wins 'My Ideal School' Award

By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff
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M&T Bank, a co-sponsor of the contest, had the winning drawings framed and the children's names engraved. 
LEE, Mass. — A pupil at Lee Elementary School was a winner in the My Ideal School contest.
 
Harlee Towne was the first student from Lee Elementary to win and the only Berkshire County student this year.
 
The Massachusetts School Building Authority held a ceremony for its 16th annual contest, selecting 10 regional winners in first grade for their essays and drawings about their ideal school.
 
"The My Ideal School contest invites first graders from across Massachusetts to use their creativity and share their ideas," said State Treasurer Deborah B. Goldberg, chair of the MSBA, in a press release. "It is a great opportunity to celebrate our children and the unique imagination they bring to their personal learning experiences."
 
On June 11, the children were invited to the State House to receive their awards, present their drawings and describe their ideal school. 
 
Harlee drew a school with a helicopter, pool, basketball court, and a trampoline and read the outline of her essay.
 
"My ideal school will have so many wonderful things. First everyone listens the first time so we can have more learning time. Another thing I have to say is we want to encourage others to do stuff that they can't do yet," she read. "Also I want people to follow the golden rule. I love Lee Elementary school because I love learning here and being with my friends. This is what my happy ideal school is!"
 
Harlee said she had fun doing this and that it felt good to win this award and her parents said they were extremely proud of her and that it was a great accomplishment.
 
She received a framed photo of her drawing and a certificate from the House of Representatives for her win signed by House Speaker, Ronald Mariano and state Rep. Leigh Davis.
 
"The My Ideal School contest has served as a wonderful opportunity for us to highlight the achievements of talented students across the Commonwealth," said Mary Pichetti, executive director at the MSBA, in a press release. "The contest continues to promote the discussion among students and teachers as to how thoughtful design and construction of schools in Massachusetts supports student learning."
 
The contest runs annually and is open to first graders across Massachusetts attending a public school. The grand prize winner, Abby Backus of Nantucket Elementary School, will have her artwork featured on the front cover of the MSBA's annual report. 

Tags: contest,   Lee schools,   MSBA,   

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Berkshire Health Systems Dedicates Fairview Hospital Laboratory to Gene Dellea

GREAT BARRINGTON, Mass. — Berkshire Health Systems has dedicated the renovated Fairview Hospital Laboratory to Eugene Dellea, the longtime former president of Fairview and the former Hillcrest Hospital, and a senior leader at BHS for decades. 
 
The Gene Dellea Laboratory at Fairview Hospital is designed to honor Dellea's extraordinary legacy of service to healthcare in Berkshire County,
 
A ribbon cutting ceremony was held on Monday, June 29, at Fairview, bringing together nearly 50 guests, including Dellea's family and friends, local elected officials including state Rep. Leigh Davis, BHS trustees and staff, and Fairview employees. 
 
Welcomed by BHS President & CEO Darlene Rodowicz, a series of speakers reflected on his decades of dedication to healthcare in the Berkshires, his leadership at Hillcrest and Fairview, and his lasting impact on patients, colleagues, and the community. Speakers included Dr. Alec Belman, Fairview chief of staff; Tony Scibelli, BHS vice president and Fairview chief operating officer; and Select Board Chair Stephen Bannon, also a Fairview pharmacist.
 
Bannon presented Dellea with a special citation recognizing his lifelong commitment to the health and wellness of Berkshire County residents. Dellea himself shared heartfelt stories from his early years managing the lab at Hillcrest Hospital and his many years serving Fairview.
 
The celebration also recognized the generous anonymous donors whose $1 million gift made it possible for Fairview Hospital to renovate and move the clinical laboratory. The upgraded space supports improved infrastructure, new diagnostic technology and equipment, and a more convenient location for patients and staff. 
 
"This meaningful investment honors Gene's remarkable legacy while strengthening the care Fairview provides to the nearly 30,000 people who rely on its laboratory services each year," said Rodowicz.
 
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