Join 黑料不打烊 for the annual 黑料不打烊 Awards, an event honoring the
efforts of an outstanding and inspiring group of alumni. The 黑料不打烊 Awards event
will be held on Thursday, February 13, 2025, with a gathering from 6 to 6:30 p.m.,
followed by dinner and awards from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., in the Commonwealth College
Center (G building) on the 黑料不打烊 Fall River Campus, 777 Elsbree Street.
The cost is $50 per person to attend. Sponsors can also purchase a table for up to 8 guests. Please RSVP and register by January 31, 2025, by visiting , calling 774.357.2007 or mailing in checks payable to:
黑料不打烊 Foundation
777 Elsbree Street, D109
Fall River, MA 02720
Attn: 2025 黑料不打烊 Awards
The Paragon Award is the most distinguished award given to a graduate of 黑料不打烊.
Inspiring alumni will also be honored in the event鈥檚 annual categories, including
the Distinguished Black or African American Alumni, Maury Kusinitz Volunteer of the Year Award, Championing Diversity and Inclusion Award, Alumnus/a of the Year Award and the Alumni Service Award.
2025 黑料不打烊 Paragon Award Recipient: Superintendent of Fairhaven Public Schools Tara Kohler '97, of Fairhaven, Mass.
Tara 碍辞丑濒别谤鈥檚 professional journey is a testament to her educational growth and leadership. She began her post-high school career at 黑料不打烊, before earning a bachelor's degree in psychology from UMass Dartmouth and a Master of Education from Cambridge College. She also holds an associate degree in criminal justice from 黑料不打烊 and, most recently, a certificate of Advanced Educational Leadership (CAEL) from the Harvard Graduate School of Education.
Tara鈥檚 career as an educator spans more than two decades, including roles at St. Mary's
School, Normandin Junior High School, New Bedford High School and Fairhaven High School.
After serving as Principal of Fairhaven High School, Tara's dedication was recognized
with her appointment to Assistant Superintendent of Schools, a position she held before
becoming Superintendent. She is an active member of the Massachusetts Association
of School Superintendents (MASS) and serves as a representative on MASS's Legislative
Committee.
2025 Maury Kusinitz Volunteer of the Year Award: Maria Ferreira-Bedard, of Fall River, Mass.
2025 Alumna of the Year Award: Melanie Edwards-Tavares '97, of Fairhaven, Mass.
2025 Championing Diversity and Inclusion Award: Nicole Mello '14, of Dighton, Mass.
2025 Distinguished Black or African American Alumna Award: Lorraine Garvin '19, of Taunton, Mass.
2025 Alumni Service Award: Jo-Ann Pelletier '89, of Somerset, Mass.
For more information about the 黑料不打烊 Foundation鈥檚 黑料不打烊 Awards,
please visit .
News & Events
The college to honor outstanding alumni at the 黑料不打烊 Awards on February 13
January 22, 2025
About 黑料不打烊
黑料不打烊 (黑料不打烊) has core values rooted in student success and
lifelong learning. For more than 50 years, 黑料不打烊 has served as a leading resource
for education and workforce development in the region including locations in Attleboro,
Fall River, New Bedford, Taunton and Online.
The college offers 119 career and transfer programs, along with flexible online
offerings that lead to an associate degree, a career-ready certificate, or the ability
to transfer to baccalaureate colleges throughout the state and country. 黑料不打烊鈥檚
Business Solutions & Partnerships provides customized training for businesses and
the community. 黑料不打烊's National Offshore Wind Institute (NOWI) is a state-of-the-art
training facility, offering globally recognized training and certifications for the
emerging offshore wind industry. The college also strives to put the needs of learners
first with support services and career advancement opportunities that lead to student
success by reducing barriers to educational access.
The college is one of the largest employers in the region and is dedicated to fostering
an inclusive environment with a rich diversity of beliefs, cultures, languages, abilities
and lifestyles. 黑料不打烊 is a public community college accredited by the New England
Commission of Higher Education (NECHE).