Mill Town Foundation, Pittsfield Public Schools Core Impact Awards

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Mill Town Foundation, in partnership with Pittsfield Public Schools, announced the return of the Core Impact Awards.
 
According to a press release, the district-wide initiative recognizes educators and school staff members who are making a "meaningful difference in student learning, innovation in education, and community engagement." 
 
Now in its second year, the Core Impact Awards will honor full-time teacher or staff member from each of the 14 schools in the Pittsfield Public School District. 
 
"The Core Impact Awards are about more than recognition — they're about building a culture where educators feel valued and supported," said Andy Wrba, program director at Mill Town Foundation. "While we celebrate individual honorees, the broader message is for every teacher and school employee across Pittsfield: your work matters, and this community recognizes the impact you have." 
 
Pittsfield Public Schools Assistant Superintendent Jennifer Stokes emphasized the importance of spotlighting educators' contributions. 
 
"Great teachers don't just teach lessons - they change lives," Stokes said. "The Core Impact Awards shine a light on the educators who make students feel seen, supported, and capable of more than they ever imagined. Watching last year's honorees experience that recognition — the pride, the joy, the emotion — was a powerful reminder of how important it is to celebrate the people who give so much of themselves every day." 
 
The nomination period will be open March 2-15, 2026. Community members, students, parents, and colleagues are invited to submit nominations highlighting an educator's:  
  • Student Impact: Evidence of inspiring or improving student outcomes. 
  • Innovation in Teaching: Creative approaches to instruction and learning. 
  • Community Engagement: Meaningful involvement within the school and broader community. 
  • Nomination Quality: Thoughtfulness and clarity of the submission. 
An independent community Selection Committee will review all nominations. 
 
Recipients will be announced in April and formally honored at a community celebration in May. Each honoree will receive a recognition package celebrating their contributions to education and the Pittsfield community. 
 
Nominations are open. They close on March 15. To submit a nomination, visit www.milltownfoundation.org

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North Adams Man Indicted on Murder, Arson Charges

Staff Reports
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Darius Hazard was arraigned in Berkshire Superior Court on Thursday on two counts of first-degree murder related to deaths of his parents last November. 
 
Hazard, 44, pleaded not guilty to the charges and to a third charge of arson of a dwelling house.
 
He is being held without bail at the Berkshire County House of Correction, where he has been housed since Nov. 25. 
 
Hazard is accused of assaulting his parents, Donald Hazard, 83, and Venture Hazard, 76, on Nov. 24, 2025, and setting fire to the family on Francis Street. 
 
The bodies of his parents were discovered in the home by firefighters. 
 
North Adams Police said Hazard allegedly confessed to the assaults and the arson when he was taken into custody that day.
 
Hazard was initially arraigned in Northern Berkshire District Court on Nov. 26 and was to appear for a pretrial hearing on March 3. That hearing was postponed but he was indicted March 23 on the felony charges and his case removed to Berkshire Superior Court. 
 
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