Berkshire Bank Awards $45,000 to 2016 Scholarship Winners

PITTSFIELD — Berkshire Bank recently selected 30 high-school seniors to receive a total of $45,000 in scholarships through its Berkshire Bank Foundation Scholarship Awards program. Each of the recipients will receive $1,500.

A team of 200 Berkshire Bank employee volunteers reviewed nearly 300 applications to select the winners. The winners all reside in the regions served by Berkshire Bank, including communities in Massachusetts, New York, Connecticut, and Vermont.

This year’s Pioneer Valley recipients include Stephanie Garner, Cathedral High School; Joseph Gardner, Chicopee High School; Joanna Arkoette, Gateway Regional High School; Rachel Pierce, Hampshire Regional High School; Aleeza Suarez Amador, High School of Commerce; Isaais Bermudez, Putnam Vocational Technical Academy; Kamal Watt, Springfield Central High School; and Tymra Garcia, Springfield High School of Science and Technology.

The scholarship awards recognize students who have exemplified community service through their volunteer efforts, been successful academically, and have a financial need. The program highlights the foundation’s support for education and the bank’s commitment to promote volunteerism in the community.

“We are proud to grant these scholarships to so many high-school seniors that share in our passion and commitment to give back to the community,” said Lori Gazzillo, vice president and director of Berkshire Bank Foundation. “With the increasing cost and importance of a college education, we want to do our part to help deserving students achieve their dreams.”