MCLA Alumna Annie Pecor Honored by Massachusetts State Universities

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NORTH ADAMS, Mass — Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts alumna Annie Pecor, assistant superintendent of North Adams Public Schools, has been selected to receive the Massachusetts State Universities Educator Alumni Award. 
 
Pecor was honored at the ceremony on Wednesday, April 29, in the Great Hall at the State House, alongside eight other educators from across the state's public university system.
 
The award, presented by the Massachusetts State Universities Council of Presidents, recognizes graduates of Massachusetts State Universities who have made outstanding contributions to the field of education.
 
"Annie's accomplishments are a testament to the transformative power of a Massachusetts State University education. We are incredibly proud of her dedication to students and communities across the Berkshires, and it is a privilege to see her recognized on a statewide stage," said MCLA President James F. Birge.
 
A Berkshire County educator for more than 15 years, Pecor began her career as a middle school English language arts teacher before rising through the ranks of educational leadership. This year, she was recognized by the MCLA Alumni Association with the Outstanding Educator Award. She earned both a master's degree in education and a Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study from MCLA, and is a proud graduate of the MCLA Leadership Academy. She also holds a bachelor's degree from Siena College and earned her doctorate in education from the University of New England in 2024.
 
Throughout her career, Pecor has demonstrated a consistent commitment to student success and community-centered leadership. As a North Adams middle school teacher, she launched a peer mentoring program and a 7th grade student council to cultivate student leadership. She later served as vice principal and then principal of Craneville Elementary School in Dalton, where she championed restorative practices, reduced behavior referrals, and guided the school community through the COVID-19 pandemic.
 
Most recently, as director of Northern Berkshire Adult Education and 21st Century Programming, Pecor led the program to exceed enrollment targets, launched a thriving English Speakers of Other Languages program, added tutoring services, secured local transportation funding, and forged a partnership with McCann Technical School for an adult Culinary Arts Program. Under her leadership, the program achieved a "proficient" rating from the state Department of Education.
 
Beyond her professional work, Pecor volunteers as vice chair of the Berkshire Leadership Program and serves on the boards of Berkshire County Suicide Prevention, the Berkshire Food Project, and the Northern Berkshire United Way.

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Weekend Outlook: Mother's Day & More

By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff

Check out the events happening this weekend including fishing, plays, and more.

Editor's Pick

Wild Acres Fishing Derby
Wild Acres, Pittsfield
Time: Saturday, 8 to noon

This free fishing derby is for youth 14 and older. Catch the biggest fish to get a reward. The first 100 children will receive a free food voucher. 

More information here.

Daffodil & Tulip Festival
Naumkeag, Stockbridge
Time: Through Sunday
 
Final weekend to walk the grounds of Naumkeag and see the thousands of flowering bulbs. Timed tickets must be purchased in advance and will not be sold on-site. 
 
More information and ticket purchase here

Multiple Days

'Big Fish'
Taconic High School, Pittsfield
May 8, 9, 14, 15,16. Times vary at 2 and 7 p.m.

The Taconic Theater department stages "Big Fish," a musical about son who goes on an adventure to find the truth about his father's wild and unbelievable stories.

More information and tickets here.

'The Prom Musical'
Berkshire Community College
Showings Friday through Sunday

A small-town prom is getting too much attention when a student wants to bring her girlfriend as a date. A troupe of Broadway stars arrive in the conservative community out on a mission to help in this musical comedy.

More information and tickets here.

Baby Animals
Hancock Shaker Village, Pittsfield
Time: 11 to 4, through May 10

A sure sign of spring is the arrival of baby animals at Hancock Shaker Village in Pittsfield. See lambs, piglets, calves, chicks and kids and enjoy events and activities throughout the Village, from daily talks about the farm and the Shakers to craft demonstrations to walks along the Farm & Forest Trail.

Admission is $8 to $20, free for children 12 and younger. More information here.

Friday

Night of Dreams Fundraising Gala: Berkshire Dream Center
Berkshire Hills Country Club, Pittsfield
Time: 6 to 9 p.m.

This annual gala is a major fundraiser for the nonprofit Berkshire Dream Center. Enjoy dinner, music, a silent auction, and more. 

More information and tickets here.

Dead Man's Waltz
Stationery Factory, Dalton
Time: 7:30 p.m.

Enjoy classic songs from bands like The Grateful Dead with a full bar. Bring your partner and dance and sing the night away.

More information and tickets here.

Friday Karaoke
Dalton American Legion
Time: 6 p.m.

More information here.

Karaoke Night
Methuselah Bar & Lounge, Pittsfield
Time: 9 to midnight

Bring your friends and sing your favorite songs.

More information here.

Saturday 

Mass Kids Lit Fest 
Berkshire Athenaeum, Pittsfield
Time: 10:30 a.m.

Children's author Carol Munro will do a "Springtime Storks" storytime, based on a true story of resilience and love between two migrating birds. Children will have the chance to create their own stork hand puppets and learn more about storks.

More information here.

'Williamstown in 1776'
Williamstown Historical Museum
Time: 11 a.m.
 
Local historian and Historical Commission Chair Dustin Griffin will speak on the politics and leaders of Williamstown at the start of the Revolution. The museum is at 32 New Ashford Road. 
 
More information here

Berkshire Carousel Opening Day
Berkshire Carousel, Pittsfield
Time: noon to 5 p.m.

The carousel on Center Street opens for the season with face painting and other activities.

More information here.

Mountain Mindfulness Yoga
Mount Greylock Visitor Center
Time: 1 to 2:15 p.m.

This free yoga class is open to all levels. Enjoy the mountain views and connect with nature.
More information here.

Rusted Chains
Zinky's Pub, Dalton
Time: 8 to 11 p.m.

Rusted Chains performs a tribute to the '90s.

More information here.

Sunday

50th Annual Mother's Day Women's 5K/Mile Walk
Berkshire Community College, Pittsfield
Time: 8 a.m.

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