Join Bristol Community College for the annual Bristol Awards, an event honoring the efforts of an outstanding and inspiring group of alumni. The Bristol 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 Bristol 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 www.bristolcc.edu/alumni, calling 774.357.2007 or mailing in checks payable to:

Bristol Community College Foundation
777 Elsbree Street, D109
Fall River, MA 02720
Attn: 2025 Bristol Awards

The Paragon Award is the most distinguished award given to a graduate of Bristol Community College. Inspiring alumni will also be honored in the event’s 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 Bristol Paragon Award Recipient: Superintendent of Fairhaven Public Schools Tara Kohler '97, of Fairhaven, Mass.

Tara Kohler’s professional journey is a testament to her educational growth and leadership. She began her post-high school career at Bristol Community College, 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 Bristol Community College and, most recently, a certificate of Advanced Educational Leadership (CAEL) from the Harvard Graduate School of Education.

Tara’s 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 Bristol Community College Foundation’s Bristol Awards, please visit www.bristolcc.edu/alumni.