Dr. David B. Kagan Award

The Kagan Award award was established in 1977, in memory of Dr. David B. Kagan, a long-time Pittsfield Rotarian and community citizen. The award is presented annually and beginning in 1978 has been given to one female and one male from the Central Berkshire area to recognize volunteerism "above and beyond" the call of duty. The recipients represent the highest standards of the Judeo-Christian ethic, which is the basis of the award. This years awards went to Joe Torra and Anne Pasko. Joe has spent many years as mentor for business students from PHS and Taconic hiring them as employees so they could see how business runs first hand. He also has been active donating his sound and lighting systems to schools and Downtown Inc.  Anne is a successful businesswoman who has donated her time to many different causes to include Lanesboro Elementary school computer lab, Pittsfield Garden tour, Barrington Stage, Artscape, antheneum, and downtown inc. Along with their award each was given a $200 stipend to donate to the charity of their choice.