Pittsfield School Committee Honors Retired Secretary, Top Students
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Rosemarie Blake was named Executive Assistant of the Year after more than a half-century of service to the Pittsfield Public Schools.
She is described as the "institutional memory of the district."
Blake retired over the summer after 54 years with the district and, on Wednesday, was given the award from the Massachusetts Council of School Committee Administrative Personnel.
"One line in your nomination really stayed with me: 'Administrators relied on her as the institutional memory of the district.' That says so much about your heart, your knowledge, and your lifelong commitment to this community," explained Brenda Bianco, vice chair of Massachusetts COSCAP.
Blake thanked the School Committee for nominating her.
"It's really very heartwarming to have you think of me that way, and I really appreciate it," she said.
The award, sponsored by the Massachusetts Association of School Committees, recognizes the valuable work that secretaries and administrative assistants perform.
"This award will recognize an outstanding individual who has succeeded in providing high-quality performance in a variety of school-office settings," the MASC website reads.
"Applicants will have demonstrated excellent leadership, commitment to staff and students, service to their communities, and contributions to the overall school experience."
Bianco explained that after reading Blake's nomination and news coverage about her retirement, it was clear that she had touched many lives with warmth, grace, and humor.
"You represent everything our role as executive assistants is meant to be steady, dependable, compassionate, and fiercely loyal," she said.
School Committee member Dominick Sacco said he award was "so appropriate."
"Being with the schools for that number of years, that's basically unheard of," he added. "I don't know too many people that have served that length of time in the school system, so my hat goes out to her for that. But not only did she serve, she did a great job. Very impressive."
Two high school students were also presented the Massachusetts Association of School Superintendent's Award for Academic Excellence: Pittsfield High School senior Sophia LaMalfa and Taconic High School senior Brendan Bayles.
LaMalfa is ranked No. 1 out of 160 in the class of 2026, with a cumulative grade average of 103.7. She is involved in various extracurricular activities at the school, volunteer work, and is employed part-time.
"She continues to set an elevated standard of success at Pittsfield High, and Sophia is a prime example of our student motto, ‘One who is always prepared, responsible, and respectful.' Throughout her high school career, Sophia has challenged herself with a rigorous course load that includes a combination of honors, advanced placement, and early college dual enrollment courses. In her senior year alone, she is currently taking six Pittsfield High classes, two AP courses, and three online BCC, early college courses, never shying away from a challenge," her nomination letter reads.
"Sophia is consistent pursuit and passion for learning shines brighter than ever this year. She has earned high honors academic recognition freshman through junior year at Pittsfield High, and she's on track to do the same as a senior. Sophia is driven and extremely hardworking. She strives for excellence, pushing herself both inside and outside of the classroom."
Bayles is said to truly represent what it means to be a Taconic High School student: hard-working, kind, compassionate, and committed to excellence. He holds a 99.2 grade average and has taken six advanced placement courses, earning a score of three or higher on each exam.
"His determination and love of learning are evident in every aspect of his academic journey. In May 2025, Brendan was chosen to represent Pittsfield Public Schools at Student Government Day at the State House, where he confidently gave testimony on cell phone use. This opportunity reflects his maturity, intellect, and ability to lead and communicate effectively," his nomination letter reads.
"Brendan's involvement in the arts and his leadership within our school community are nothing short of inspiring. As president of the Taconic theater program, he has taken on lead roles in four productions, all while guiding and encouraging his peers behind the scenes. His passion for theater extends well beyond our walls through his work with the Berkshire theater group, where he has participated in 22 productions, acting in 14 and working on the production crew for eight."
Bayles was also the first video production student to attend the Skills USA state competition after earning second place at districts, and volunteers at St. Mary's Church. It was noted that he lost a parent late last year, and continued to lead and perform Taconic's production of Clue.
"Despite his grief, he showed up every day for his cast mates and delivered a remarkable performance," his nomination letter reads. "His courage and dedication during such a difficult time were a true example of courage and perseverance."
Tags: academic award, Pittsfield School Committee, recognition event,
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