BCC Holds Pinning Ceremony for Graduates of Practical Nursing Program

07:34AM / Friday, July 03, 2026Print Story | Email Story

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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Pittsfield Committee Recommends Scanlon for City Audit

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires.com
11:59AM / Sunday, August 02, 2026

PITTSFIELD, Mass.— After the bid for a new auditing company came back more than 30 percent higher, Pittsfield will stick with Scanlon and Associates.

On Tuesday, the Auditing Services Evaluation Committee voted, 4-2, to advance Scanlon to the City Council for an independent audit. CliftonLarsonAllen also responded to the bid, but came in costing $120,000 more.

“I have to go with saving money for the city. I mean, the discrepancy is too much of a difference,” committee member Karen Kalinowsky said.

“The city could have used for that difference over the next three years.”

This process was prompted by Rule 40 of the council rules and the City Charter, where in any year the City Council votes to hold a procurement process for an independent certified public accountant or firm to audit Pittsfield's books and accounts, the city must, through its Finance Committee with the assistance of the purchasing department, solicit requests for proposals or invitations for bids before June 1.

The council in March recommended that the purchasing agent draft a request for proposals and put it out to bid.

Ward 1 Councilor Kenneth Warren, who has vocally supported the independent audit for years, said the city doesn’t have to follow a bidding process for the professional service, “We are doing this so the public knows that we're being professional and are looking for other options, looking at what the best options are, and comparing them based on what they can offer and what the cost is.”

Board member Kathy Amuso said both CLA and Scanlon have comparable reviews with high recommendations. Especially considering the budget crisis Pittsfield is in, she moved to recommend Scanlon to the full council.

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