Greylock Federal Awards $20,500 in Scholarships To 31 Students

Staff Reports 12:47PM / Thursday, July 16, 2026Print Story | Email Story

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Greylock Federal Credit Union awarded a total of $20,500 in scholarships to 31 students in recognition of excellence and achievement.

Twenty-one students received a $500 Community Enrichment Scholarship for exemplifying positive community spirit and demonstration of respect and care for peers. Another 10 students received a $1,000 Scholastic Achievement Award, which is designated for children of Greylock employees.

Opportunity to apply for the Community Enrichment Scholarship was given to all public high schools in Berkshire and Columbia counties. Applicants were required to be a Greylock member and to write an essay showcasing their meaningful community involvement.

"I'm so proud of this year's class," said Jennifer Connor Shumsky, Assistant Vice President, Community Support & Events. "It's incredible to see the tremendous work each of these students are doing in our community. Everyone here at Greylock wishes them the best as they embark on the exciting next chapter of their lives."

The scholarships will be applied toward tuition at a state- or nationally-accredited two- or four-year college or university, or a full-time technical school program.

"The young people who apply for this scholarship are always amazing. We are thrilled so many students shared how they are helping to make our community a better place for everyone," said JamieEllen Moncecchi, Senior Vice President & Chief Administrative Officer. "It's truly a direct reflection of Greylock's values to care, educate and inspire. It's also very exciting to help the children of our employees in their higher education journey. I can't wait to see this entire cohort become part of our next generation of leaders and professionals."

In Berkshire County, schools include BArT Charter Public School; Drury High School; Hoosac Valley High School; Lenox Memorial High School; McCann Technical High School; Monument Mountain High School; Mount Everett Regional High School; Mount Greylock Regional School; Pittsfield High School; Taconic High School and Wahconah Regional High School. In Columbia County, schools include New Lebanon High School and Taconic Hills Central School.

This year's Community Enrichment Scholarship recipients include:

Bishop Casey, BArT Charter
Dareen Hage, BArT Charter
Matthew Howland, Drury
Carson Daniel Rylander, Drury
Ava McLear, Hoosac Valley
Amelia Coco Gilardi, Lenox
Brooklynn K. Lamke, Lenox
Gabrielle Driscoll, McCann Technical
Gianna C. Jacobbe, McCann Technical
Luka Kononenko, Monument Mountain
Sophie DelMasto, Mount Everett
Frances Evans, Mount Greylock
Roman Nixon, Mount Greylock
Simon Mele, Pittsfield
Kyana Summers, Pittsfield
Edward P. Ferris, Taconic
Catherine Napravnick-Valero, Taconic
Elizabeth Connor, Wahconah
Mia Jane Viola, Wahconah
Jordan Sotek, New Lebanon
Jacqueline Alexandra Stoddard, Taconic Hills

This year's Scholastic Achievement Award recipients include:

Nicolina Paredes, Pittsfield
Ella Gaffey, McCann Technical
Jacob Vermette, Ludlow
Jason McNulty, Wahconah
Connor Hinkell, Drury
Kobby Asard, Pittsfield
Noah Kanelos, McCann Technical
Alexis Masten, Lee
Ella Stodden, Taconic
Kennedy Whitley, Hoosac Valley

To learn more about Greylock's Community Enrichment Scholarship, visit Greylock.org/scholarship.

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Second Streets Second Chances Awarded $85K for Workforce Re-Entry Program

By Brittany Polito03:00PM / Monday, September 28, 2026

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — A local program for formerly incarcerated citizens seeking a technical career received $85,000 from the state.

On Thursday, the Healey-Driscoll administration announced $2.25 million in Re-entry Workforce Development Demonstration Program grants to 12 organizations that will provide job training, career support, and employment opportunities to 445 formerly incarcerated individuals returning to their communities.

Second Street Second Chances was allocated $84,712 to partner with the Berkshire County Sheriff's Office to offer a training program to 12 returning citizens with a focus on the advanced manufacturing and engineering industry.

The funds will be used to put 12 returning citizens through a training program with a focus on the advanced manufacturing and engineering industry. Successful program graduates will be placed in manufacturing and welding roles at Onyx Specialty Papers and Hi-Tech Mold and Tool.

The program was one of 12 awardees, a majority on the eastern side of the state; Greenfield also saw funding.

"When people return to their communities, they should have a real opportunity to get a good job, support their families and build a stable future," said Gov. Maura Healey in a press release.

"These grants connect people with the training and experience they need to succeed and with employers that are ready to hire."

Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll said successful reentry means making sure people have the tools and opportunities to move forward, and these programs bring together community organizations, public safety partners, and employers to connect people directly with training and jobs.

Launched in 2022, Second Street Second Chances' mission is to provide a central point of access for medical and mental health, housing, job training, legal services, and more for a successful reentry into the community.

Early this year, the nonprofit saw an $89,000 grant from the program. Executive Director Lindsay Cornwell at the time said this funding allowed 2nd Street to expand its mission of supporting returning citizens in Berkshire County through meaningful workforce opportunities and a pathway toward sustainable employment.

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