Schools land hate crime prevention grants
EVERETT — Three area school districts – Easthampton at $40,000, Northampton at $30,000 each and Hadley at $20,000 – have landed state grants designed to prevent hate crimes and reduce incidences of bias in schools.
The grants, part of $1 million awarded to 38 total school districts statewide, align with the joint guidance Attorney General Andrea Campbell and the Healey-Driscoll administration released in 2024 to assist schools in their efforts to combat hate and foster a safe, supportive, and inclusive educational environment, consistent with their legal obligations.
The Hate Crime Prevention grant funding can be used to support the implementation of evidence-based curriculum and programs that promote awareness and understanding and help prevent incidents of bias-motivated conduct. The funding supports programs for students and professional development for educators and school staff. The grant can also support collaboration with local organizations that have expertise in preventing hate crimes, and the funds can also be used to improve policies, procedures and protocols for reporting and responding to incidents of hate crime and bias.
Valley Interfaith Refugee group to show documentary
EASTHAMPTON — On Sunday, Dec. 7, at 2 p.m., the film “Borderland The Line Within” will be shown at St. Philip’s Episcopal Church, 128 Main St., Easthampton.
The filmmakers said the film exposes the profitable business of immigration and its human cost, and weaves together the stories of immigrant heroines and heroes resisting and showing a way forward, intent on building a movement in the shadow of the border industrial complex, recognizing the human rights of all.
The funds raised by the ticket sales as well as contributions from the 17 co-sponsors will be donated to the Pioneer Valley Worker’s Center and LUCE Immigrant Justice Network of MA. To purchase tickets, sliding scale of $5-25, visit bit.ly/4rBxDJA
Tickets may also be purchased at the door at the time of showing. Please use cash or check to purchase tickets at the door.
The Valley Interfaith Refugee Action Group is comprised of individuals and representatives from Jewish, Christian and Muslim houses of worship in western Massachusetts with a mission of ensuring that refugees, immigrants and asylum seekers resettling in the region are welcomed, protected and supported.
Hadley church’s outside Christmas pageant
HADLEY — The First Congregational Church of Hadley will hold its annual outdoor Christmas pageant featuring live animals on Sunday, Dec. 7, at 10 a.m., on the front steps of the church.
The not-so-silent nativity will include the bleating of local farm animals angelically starring next to church parishioners in the various traditional roles. The event will start with the “lighting” of the outdoor advent wreath and then launch into the production of the beloved Christmas story mixed with Christmas tunes.
Attendees are encouraged to bring a lawn chair to set-up on the front lawn, or park in available spots just across the street. Children who want to participate should arrive at 9:15 a.m. to get a costume.
The First Congregational Church is located at 102 Middle St., in the center of Hadley where Middle Street crosses Route 9.
For more information, contact Diana West, 413-695-4399, or email dmabelwest@gmail.com.
DAR America 250! scholarships
WASHINGTON — Undergraduate and graduate students studying American history can apply for a $25,000 scholarship from the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) through Jan. 31. The DAR America 250! Scholarship will provide a one-time $25,000 award to 10 students in 2026 and is offered to mark the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of independence.
The DAR gives more than 30 scholarships annually awarding close to a total of $250,000 a year to students across the country, but the organization has never provided a singular scholarship of this size. The significant amount of the America 250! Scholarship, and that it will be awarded to 10 separate students, is a testament of the importance of American history education that DAR places emphasis on and in honor of the special celebrations taking place throughout 2026 in honor of the 250th anniversary of the nation.
Applicants should apply through the DAR online scholarship portal, DAR Academic Works: https://dar.academicworks.com/
Students currently majoring in American history in an accredited university or college undergraduate or graduate program in the year 2026 are eligible to apply. Recipients must be United States citizens, prove a minimum 3.5 GPA on a 4.0 scale or equivalent, and prepare a one-page online essay either on the founding of the nation or on the applicant’s personal volunteer achievements for community and country.
Students are urged to apply well ahead of the Jan. 31 deadline, as the scholarship application requires transcripts and letters of recommendation that must be submitted by others. Applicants will find that the scholarship portal will offer other DAR scholarships they may qualify for as well. Questions can be addressed to america250scholarship@nsdar.org.