Today, I want to celebrate some of the amazing students we have that attend schools here in Berkshire County. We are all too often inundated with the negative stories, which I will say are important to hear, but it is just as important to celebrate the accomplishments of our young people. We strive to promote hope as we work through our challenges.
On Wednesday, May 27th, Wahconah Regional High School along with Greylock Regional High School, and Monument Mountain Regional High School (Their first time competing) competed in the Massachusetts Unified Track State Championships. I am a volunteer coach for Wahconah who won the division 1 Western Mass Championships and was going into the states as the 3-time runner-up. This year we finished 3rd in Division 1. But the effort given not just by the Wahconah Warriors but of all the student athletes was amazing to witness. Many of these athletes were performing personal bests, which means they were giving their all in the heat at Natick High School. We have students with and without intellectual disabilities competing. These students are breaking down barriers and uplifting communities. I saw future leaders at that event from all walks of life. I am proud to be part of an amazing community.
I am part of a team of four people who once a year in May award a scholarship to 1 of six students. Three Students for Taconic and Three Students from Pittsfield High School. This year’s winner was Samseedy (Sam) Touray, a standout student athlete. It was a difficult decision because we had six outstanding candidates. I have been part of this committee since 2023, and I get to meet some amazing students. They give me hope as the next generations future leaders. One of the gifts I give to the scholarship winner is the book, “Leading with Dignity” by Dr. Donna Hicks PhD and this year I added “The Long Walk to Freedom” which is the Autobiography of Nelson Mandela. We can only win when we honor dignity. It is why I feel it is important to share these books from two people who truly understand the importance of honoring dignity. They changed the course of my life, and I hope they do the same for those I share them with.
In May I had the honor of speaking with a group of 30+ second grade students at Craneville Elementary. They were learning about the Civil Rights Movement, and I was speaking about my experiences in Boston during the 1970s. It was a great conversation. I could see that the students were learning and paying attention by the questions they were asking. Towards the end I asked, “Why do you think we need to learn about the Civil Rights Movement. It happened so long ago.” One of the students raised her hand and said, “So we don’t make the same mistakes they did.” It gave me hope for the future.
Young people today are being bombarded with so much information. It is amazing that they can stay focused. This is really a team effort between the families, schools, and community organizations to continue to support the growth of our young community. We must strive to build a stronger foundation and give our children the tools that will help them succeed. As we continue to work on the challenges we face, we must continue to uplift the successes and honor dignity.
“Our children are the rock on which our future will be built, our greatest asset as a nation.” Nelson Mandela
Charles Redd MS, RN
Dignity Freedom Fighter
Dignity Freedom Fighter 