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Superintendent Michael Henault presented the award to Haze Brown.

Superintendent's Award Presented to Wahconah High Senior

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff
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Brown's parents Dan and Heather Brown pointed to Haze's drive, resilience and willingness to learn. 
DALTON, Mass. — Wahconah Regional High School senior Haze Brown was recognized for their academic achievements and for making the school and community a more inclusive and connected place.
 
During last week's School Committee meeting, Brown was presented with the Superintendent's Award for being a "changemaker" and embodying the spirit of academic excellence.
 
The Certificate of Academic Excellence from the Massachusetts Association of School Superintendents was presented by Superintendent Michael Henault. Only one student from each high school receives the award each year.
 
"They have been a pillar of our academic community but equally as important, have used their voice, compassion, and leadership to make Wahconah and our wider community a better place," Henault said. 
 
Brown hopes to one day work in a lab, feeding their strong interest in scientific research and making a positive difference in the world.
 
"I want to make a difference in the world, and I want to do good things and discover things. I want to lead a very natural, curious life and never let go of that child-like wonder I have," they said. 
 
Brown has applied to a range of prestigious universities including Yale, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, John Hopkins, and the University of Chicago.
 
They have been an influential leader across multiple school and community initiatives including serving on the Principal Search Committee, Climate and Culture Committee, student government, and Wahconah's chapter of No Place for Hate, now named Changemakers for Good. 
 
Brown is also a rhythm guitarist in Wahconah's rock band Blood Type Blue and participates in Girls State, where they learned the importance of civic action. 
 
Central Berkshire Regional School District has shaped them with the opportunities and friends they have made while attending the district, they said. 
 
"I'm very grateful, and it's definitely played a big role in my life," Brown said. 
 
"What drives me is change. I always strive to make the best of myself and make the best of my environment and helping others and doing good and feeling conident in myself and where I am."
 
This work and advocacy extends beyond the school walls into the community, including volunteering for Hinsdale's First Congregational Church and participation in the All Berkshire Dance Team, and as a teacher to younger dancers at Terpsichore Dance Center
 
Additionally, they have spoken at public events, including delivering an address at the 2025 Dalton Memorial Day Parade. 
 
Brown's parents, Heather and Dan Brown, highlighted their drive, resilience, and willingness to keep learning and solve problems.
 
"It's to be a good neighbor. If you see someone struggling, it's easier to do nothing, but it feels better to help other people and to connect with that person," the senior said.

Tags: academic award,   Wahconah,   WRHS,   

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WWII Veteran Reflects on D-Day at VFW Post Induction

By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff

The members in the picture are Bret Miller, Coast Guard, Desert Storm; Hank Morris, Army, Vietnam; Brad Havill, Navy, Global War on Terror; VFW Post 448 Vice Cmdr. Mark Pompi, Army, Global War on Terrorism, Afghanistan; Post Cmdr. Arnold Perras, Korea; Joe Difillipo, Army, Vietnam; Teri Billington, Navy, Desert Storm; and Carmen Ostrander, Air Force, Afghanistan.

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Anthony Salatino Jr. says his memory is getting a little foggy about his time in the Army. 

But he remembers how terrible D-Day was, and feeling lucky he wasn't among those in the initial invasion force 82 years ago. 
 
"One of the most horrible things was in Normandy. We went shortly after D-Day. I got lucky, very lucky on D-Day. We went to a staging area the night before … and at the very end, somebody called, I was in headquarters, they called all the headquarters personnel at the center," the 103-year-old said. "We did not go. There's about 30 of us. The rest of the battalion was gone, and the reason for that was because there was another battalion coming from the States, and they had no headquarters. 
 
"We stayed back, but we did go to Normandy shortly after that, and when we went to Normandy, it was all over."
 
Salatino was attending an induction ceremony on Thursday at the Lt. John N. Truden VFW Post 448. Joseph Texidor, who served in the Army for 17 years with tours in Iraq and Afghanistan, was sworn in as the post's newest member. 
 
Salatino served in the Medical Corps and wanted to follow in the footsteps of his father, a World War I veteran wounded at Verdun. Salatino was in the Army for about three years.
 
"The whole memory is what I just told you, very, very alive to me," he said. "That is, I can never forget, never forget that."
 
D-Day on June 6, 1944, was the start of Operation Overlord, and the largest invading force to cross the English Channel since 1066. Their goal: to liberate Europe from Nazi Germany. 
 
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