McCann Presents Certificates to 35 Postgraduates

By Tammy Daniels
iBerkshires Staff
09:45PM / Monday, June 15, 2009

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Top, Caitlyn Greene, Alicia Hess and Whitney Stengle completed the dental assisting program. Left, eager graduates look for friends and family before the ceremonies begin in the school gym. For more photos, click here.

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — McCann Technical School presented certificates and pins to 35 graduates in five postgraduate programs on Monday night.

While only a third the size of the high school class of 2009, many of the postgraduates will likely have a more immediate effect on the health and well-being of the citizens of the county.

"We are very proud of you and we will continue to be proud of your work in the field you have chosen," said Superintendent James J. Brosnan, adding "we also realize you'll be taking care of us in a variety of fields very soon."

The 35 graduates entered the school last September to complete the yearlong programs in cosmetology, medical assisting, dental assisting, surgical technology and machine technology.

Several had high praise for the programs. "It's the best program in the world," said Hannah McLardy, who completed the surgical technology course. "Seriously, it's about the best program you'd see anywhere."

McLardy, who like her classmates had donned a surgical mask as a joke on their instructor, said it was "a good program, great instructors, and hard, too," that made it worthwhile.

Dental assisting graduates were just as enthused about their course of learning. Whitney Stengle, Alicia Hess and Caitlyn Greene also said it was a great foundation for anyone considering further education in dental hygiene.

Stengle was definitely planning on a career as a hygienist. After all, her mother, aunt and cousin already were. "I want to keep it in the family," she laughed.

Many of the graduates had had to balance a combination of work, school and family, said Brosnan, who thanked their parents, spouses, significant others and friends for providing loving support, along with faculty.

"This is the evening that will start your career," he said.

And, true to every graduation, proud family members hooted and cheered as each graduate's name was called to be pinned and receive their certificates. Children called out to their mothers from the bleachers and bouquets and balloons were pressed on them, creating a colorful contrast to their black gowns.

Daniel J. Maloney Jr., chairman of the School Committee, noted how the Berkshire economy has changed from manufacturing to service and career over the past 20-odd years. McCann's programs have helped educate a work force to take advantage of the changing job patterns, particularly in health care.

"McCann graduates have become the core of health-care professionals in Berkshire County," he said. Turning out skilled workers is important in assuring quality in the area's health care providers, "whether in a dentist's office, a doctor's office, a hospital or nursing home."  

"The education you recieved provides a foundation for the career you've chosen," he said. "But there is always new technology and methods to learn.

"Graduation is not the end of your education — it's the beginning of the process of lifelong learning."

McCann Postgraduates 2009

Cosmetology Kelley K. Cellan Tammy Lynn Champagne Shaina M. Chappell Katie M. Clarke Alicia T. Davis Lindsey S. Fiero Rebecca L. Gamari Brittany L. Hartlage	Dental Assisting Laura M. Alicea Marissa Bator Megan E. Blessing Jasmine Bree Bohl Rebecca Dillard Caitlyn Greene Alicia Hess Whitney C. Stengl
Medical Assisting Megan N. Bonneville Katelyn R. Dargie Tasha M. Gilbert Kimberly M. Gilman Yolanda M. Guzman Kailyn E. Haskins Na'Tasha J. Loynes Chauntine B. Marshall Elizabeth E. Pitroff Jennifer J. Sumy Katrina M. Valotta	Surgical Technology Amanda L. Amaral Carly L. Beery Collin B. Boucher Elizabeth M. Duane Hannah R. McLardy Cassie L. Scott Jessica M. Trierweiler Machine Technology Joshua M. Briggs

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