'Bill of Rights' Poster Contest Open to Berkshire Students

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Berkshire County Office of the Committee for Public Counsel Services (CPCS) is inviting local high school students to participate in its Law Day 2026 Poster Contest. 
 
This year's theme focuses on the Bill of Rights and its role in protecting equal justice and human dignity.
 
Law Day, observed annually on May 1st, serves as a time to reflect on the legal foundations of American liberty. CPCS, which provides legal representation for Massachusetts residents who cannot afford an attorney, is hosting this contest to encourage young people to think critically about constitutional protections like due process, fair treatment, and the right to counsel.
 
"Public defenders work every day to ensure that the freedoms guaranteed in the Bill of Rights apply to everyone, regardless of their background," said Veronica J. Fenton, Attorney at CPCS. "We want to see how Berkshire County students interpret these essential rights in today's world through their own creative lens."
 
Contest Eligibility and Guidelines The contest is open to all high school students (grades 9–12)
residing in Berkshire County. Submissions must be individual entries and original works.
 
  • Theme: Artwork must be inspired by one or more amendments in the Bill of Rights.
  • Medium: Any visual art medium is welcome, including drawing, painting, collage, mixed media, or digital art (printed).
  • Size: Maximum size is 18" x 24".
  • Deadline: All entries must be submitted by April 17, 2026.

Prizes and Recognition Awards will be provided in the form of gift cards:

  • First Place: $250.00
  • Second Place: $100.00
  • • Third Place: $50.00
Selected posters will be displayed publicly on or about Law Day, May 1, 2026 (location to be announced). Winning students will be recognized by the Berkshire County Office of CPCS and select works may be framed for display at the CPCS offices.
 
How to Submit Each entry must include the student's name, grade, school, and contact information. Submissions will be judged on their connection to the theme, creativity, clarity of
message, and artistic effort.
 
For more information on submission drop-off or contest rules, please contact Veronica J. Fenton
at 413-449-5508 or vfenton@publiccounsel.net.
If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

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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