BCC Holds Pinning Ceremony for Graduates of Practical Nursing Program

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PITTSFIELD, Mass — Berkshire Community College (BCC) held a traditional pinning ceremony for graduates of its Practical Nursing Program on Thursday, June 25.
 
The event honored 26 graduates, three of whom received special awards.
 
Award winners are as follows:
  • Amanda Markham, Academic Excellence in Nursing: This award is presented to the student who has the highest GPA within the LPN program and is given in acknowledgment of academic excellence in Nursing. This award recognizes the hard work and determination demonstrated by this student in the pursuit of nursing knowledge.
  • Clement Lim, Clinical Excellence in Nursing: This award is presented to the student who performs exemplary delivery of nursing skills in the clinical setting. This award recognizes the role of advocacy in nursing by promoting compassionate and holistic patient centered care.
  • Viktoriia Sheremet, Professionalism in Nursing: This award is presented to the student who is committed to high-quality patient care, and role models teamwork and collaboration. This award recognizes the importance of communication, critical thinking, and promotes the positive image of nursing.
 
The graduates are:
  • Anais Almanzar, Springfield, MA 
  • Alana Black, Springfield, MA 
  • Candace Branch, Springfield, MA 
  • Louise Cameron, Springfeld, MA 
  • Deja Caulton, Springfield, MA 
  • Fredrick Chetambe, Indian Orchard, MA 
  • Edmond Coleman, Pittsfield, MA 
  • Christina Essien, Pittsfield, MA 
  • Marissa Felter, Cheshire, MA 
  • Blaze Galarza-Perez, Pittsfield, MA 
  • Clement Lim, Pittsfield, MA 
  • Hollie Lombardi, Pittsfield, MA 
  • Melanie Lutz, North Adams, MA
  • Amanda Markham, Pittsfield, MA 
  • Sabrina Mason, Pownal, VT
  • Maribel Mojica, Springfield, MA 
  • Ryan Musambai, Indian Orchard, MA 
  • Cynthialynn Perales, Westfield, MA
  • Darrishae Potts, Pittsfield, MA 
  • Joshua Richmond, East Longmeadow, MA
  • Krystal Rodriguez, Springfield, MA
  • Britney Rogers, Pittsfield, MA 
  • Fleur Sereko, Pittsfield, MA 
  • Viktoriia Sheremet, Springfield, MA
  • Hailey Weslowski, Cheshire, MA 
  • Gasteena Wright, Pittsfield, MA
The wearing of the school pin symbolizes the right to serve others, signifying the acceptance of the responsibilities of the practice of nursing and the educational preparation of the wearer. The ceremony is a time-honored nursing school tradition dating to the turn of the twentieth century. The gold center of the pin features the college seal, including the words "To travel hopefully."  
 
For more information about BCC Allied Health and Nursing programs, call the Admissions Office at (413) 236-1630 or visit www.berkshirecc.edu/nursing.

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BRPC, BDAO to Host Community Forum on Kratom

PITTSFIELD, Mass.— Effective Friday, Aug. 28, 2026, Massachusetts has temporarily placed Kratom into Schedule I for one year while additional study and evaluation occur.

Under this temporary order, retailers may not display, sell, or distribute Kratom products, though they may store them out of sight. Local Boards of Health hold discretion on determining municipal enforcement.

To address these changes and discuss community impacts, the Berkshire District Attorney's Office, Berkshire Public Health Alliance, and Southern Berkshire Public Health Collaborative are hosting a community forum on Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2026, from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM. The event will take place in person at the Berkshire Innovation Center (45 Woodlawn Avenue, Pittsfield, MA) and virtually via Zoom.

The event begins with welcoming remarks from District Attorney Shugrue, followed by a presentation from Dr. Jennifer Michaels, Medical Director at The Brien Center, on Kratom fundamentals and local treatment and recovery resources. Attendees will also hear state and regional perspectives from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health and the Massachusetts Association of Health Boards, followed by a collaborative cross-sector discussion on prevention and recovery strategies.

To RSVP or to receive Zoom meeting information, please email Stacy Parsons at Stacy.Parsons@mass.gov.

For additional state background, regulatory documentation, and health guidance, visit mass.gov/info-details/kratom

 

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