BArT Seniors Recognized with John and Abigail Adams Scholarship

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ADAMS, Mass. — Berkshire Arts & Technology (BArT) Charter Public School is proud to announce that 13 of the 35 members of the BArT Class of 2026 have been awarded the John and Abigail Adams Scholarship, a  merit-based scholarship that recognizes academic achievement on the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS) exam.
 
This year's recipients are:
  • Joy Bristol
  • Bishop Casey
  • Lilianna Choque
  • Dareen Hage
  • Nyx Hall
  • Tucker Legrand
  • Raif Madole
  • Emerson Maloney
  • Brooke Mckeon
  • Vincent Miksic
  • Zachary Tetreault
  • Kaden Toomey
  • Madison Walker
"We are incredibly proud of these students for their hard work, persistence, and academic excellence," said Director of Counseling Stephanie Maselli.
 
The John and Abigail Adams Scholarship provides a tuition credit for up to eight semesters of undergraduate education at any Massachusetts state college or university. Scholarship eligibility is determined by MCAS performance, recognizing students who score in the Advanced category on at least one high school MCAS test, score Proficient or Advanced on the remaining tests, and rank in the top 25 percent of their school district based on combined scores.
 
The scholarship's purpose is threefold:
  • To reward and inspire academic excellence;
  • To encourage high-performing students to pursue higher education within Massachusetts; and
  • To provide financial support to college-bound families.
"This recognition reflects the deep commitment our students and teachers share to rigorous learning and achievement," said Dr. Joe Huston, Principal
 
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Adams Fire District Meeting Approves Full-Time Paid Chief

Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff
ADAMS, Mass. — A special meeting of the Fire District overwhelmingly passed making the fire chief and clerk/treasurer appointed positions on Thursday evening. 
 
More than 50 registered voters experienced déjà vu as they rehashed the requests to make the fire engineer and clerk/treasurer positions appointed during a meeting that lasted half and hour. 
 
These votes will have to be confirmed at a future election.

In previous district meetings, changing the fire chief position to a paid, full-time, appointed role was controversial. Article 2 passed with a large majority in favor at the meeting, as it has in the past. However, it's failed narrowly on ballot votes. 

Voter Catherine Foster said this change is long overdue, especially now that current Fire Chief John Pansecchi has announced his retirement effective May, after nine years as chief and 40 years with the department. 
 
Following questions from voters, it was explained that the pay scale for the 40-hour position will be based on qualifications and will range between $75,000 to $111,000, not including benefits.
 
Based on benefits for other town employees, benefits will cost an additional of about $40,000 to $50,000.  
 
Through the stipend, Pansecchi is getting paid roughly $30,000. 
 
Over the past five years, the position's responsibilities and hours have increased significantly, making it nearly a full-time role on top of his existing full-time job.
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