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Jubilant McCann Class Ready for More Best Times

Clockwise from top: cheering graduation; salutatorian Michael Gancarz and mom Laurie; getting the beach balls ready.

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — The Amsler Campus Center erupted in raucous jubilation on Wednesday night as the McCann Technical School class of 2013 celebrated the end of their high school career.

The 96 graduates in green and white tossed caps, confetti, beach balls and carnations into the air with a roar upon receiving their diplomas.

Superintendent James Brosnan called for them to remember those bonds that knit the class, a blend of 15 communities that had worked and studied together over the past four years.

He also told them to "use your sense of humor, which you have always maintained — sometimes a little too much — but it's OK and it worked out well."  

Salutatorian Michael Gancarz recalled how the first days of high school had been anxious, since he'd come from a small school to a large one, but he'd made friends as the class had come together.  

"Looking back at the past four years of high school, I believe that my classmates and I have much to be thankful and grateful for," he said, telling his teachers that "I cannot thank you enough for the countless hours of work you have put in and for enduring all the headaches we have given you as students."

He also asked the class to give a round of applause particularly to their parents for their support and because, "as we all know, living with teenagers is not easy.

"I think it's safe to say that some of the best moments of our lives have happened here at McCann."

Brosnan and School Committee Chairman Daniel J. Maloney Jr. awarded the diplomas. Maloney told the class, some 60 percent of which is planning to attend college, to find work that they have a passion for, and to continue to learn and sharpen their skill sets to make the best of every opportunity.

"The most important tool in the toolbox will be your skills," he said, adding that for all the preparation they've been given, the most memorable experience usually aren't planned. "It is our hope your life will be filled with memorable experiences."

Valedictorian Marinna Burzimati said classmates experiences will continue to shape them.

Joshua Allen Superneau, who also sang the national anthem, serenaded his classmates with an original song in tribute: "We shared our thoughts, hopes and dreams/we were each other's everything." The class showed its appreciation with a standing ovation — and by cheerfully pelting him with carnations and beach balls.

Valedictorian Marinna Ann Burzimati said she had difficulty trying to put her thoughts on paper.

"I realized that what I stand here and say today isn't want really matters, what I realized what does matter most are the things that we say to each other on a daily basis and the everyday encounters we have," she said. "Those are the kinds of things that will be remembered from our times together in high school."

Their experiences, separately and together, has shaped them and given them a base to build upon as they go forward, and evolve and grow, she said.

Before the class exited the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts gym and into their futures, Principal Justin Kratz wanted them to realize that their best times weren't behind them. He was glad that Gancarz had qualified his statement with "some" and recalled how the speaker at his own graduation hadn't.

He'd vowed that if ever spoke at graduation, "I would challenge the graduates to live their lives with the optimistic belief that better days are always the ones in front of you, not the ones behind you. ...

"I want you to leave tonight believing that there are many more best moments of your life to be had."

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