'Bill of Rights' Poster Contest Open to Berkshire Students

11:08AM / Friday, April 03, 2026Print Story | Email Story

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.

iBerkshires.com Text Ads

Greylock Youth SummerFest

Come join in on the wealth building fun! August 3-8. Click for event details. Insured by NCUA.

www.greylock.org

rk MILES Blding Materials

Are You Ready to Update Your Home? Start With rk MILES. 4 Locations (800)670-7433

www.rkmiles.com

If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

Pittsfield's Highland Restaurant Closing After 90 Years of Business

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff
05:52PM / Monday, August 03, 2026

PITTSFIELD, Mass.— The Highland Restaurant will close after 90 years of serving locals pasta, seafood, and other Italian favorites.

On Sunday, the restaurant announced on social media that August will be its last month in business.

"In 1936, The Highland Restaurant opened its doors with overarching goals of bringing people together, serving great food, and creating lasting memories. For 90 years, generations of families, friends, and neighbors have made The Highland part of their lives. It has been our privilege to be part of yours," a Facebook post reads.

"As we celebrate this incredible milestone, we have also reached a natural conclusion. It is with a rush of mixed emotions that we announce August will be our final month in business."

The eatery at 100 Fenn Street, right next to City Hall, is owned by Pasquale, Gerardo and Dario Arace. The owners wrote that The Highland has always been more than a restaurant: "It has been our family's home and life's work."

They hope that every time people think of The Highland, it is with a smile.

"We are endlessly grateful to our employees, with some being with us for more than 50 years, for their loyalty, dedication, and friendship," the post reads.

"Above all, thank you to the people of Berkshire County and beyond. Your support, kindness, and memories have sustained us for nine decades. We hope The Highland will always be remembered not just for the meals we served, but for the moments shared around our tables."

View Full Story