McCann Postsecondary Class 'Benefit' to Community

By Tammy DanielsiBerkshires Staff
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Above, Shelby Groves with surgical technology coordinator Jocelyne Hescock; at left, being presented the Jaime Drennan Scholarship by Drennan's parents, Anthony and Dolores Sacchetti.

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — It was something of a completed circle on Monday night, as Shelby Groves was presented the first Jamie Sacchetti Drennan Memorial Scholarship.

Drennan had stood in McCann Technical School gym just a year before to recieve a lifetime acheivement award for her excellence in surgical technology. A 1981 graduate of the school's surgical technology program, she lost her battle with illness just six weeks later.

"It was very nice. ... I had a couple of my trainers tell me that Jaime had trained them," said Groves, who had done all her training at Berkshire Medical Center in Pittsfield, where Drennan had worked for 31 years and where Groves will now work. "So it was kind of fitting."

Anthony and Dolores "Dolly" Sacchetti presented the award on behalf of their late daughter.

"She was so exemplary at her job," said Dolly Sacchetti of her daughter. "She loved her job, especially working with the technology.

"It makes her father and I feel blessed to be able to help someone else."

School Committee Chairman Daniel J. Maloney Jr. congratulated the 29 graduates of the school's postsecondary programs in cosmetology, medical assisting, dental assisting and surgical technology in acquiring new skills and newfound confidence.  

"The success of our community is dependent on people working together as you go through life," he said.

He encouraged them to communicate with their clients, patients and residents to "better understand their needs and better serve them."

"The careers you've chosen are critical to the Berkshires," Maloney said. "What you learned at McCann is just the beginning, learning is really a lifelong process."

And those skills will help them gain "a career that will hopefully make a better life for you and your family."

Heather Malloy and Kaiden.

For Groves, a Pittsfield High School graduate, the decision was in part prompted by the need to provide for her daughter, and gain a career beyond waiting tables.

"I've always liked the medical field," she said, plus "I didn't get grossed out ...

"This was something I needed to do."

Heather Malloy, a McCann graduate, had taken a few years to come to back around to her high school. She was going to school for medical assisting in Reno, Nev., but life, in the form of her now 2 1/2-year-old son Kaiden, brought her back to be near family.

Now with a certificate in hand, she has a part time job with a doctor in Bennington, Vt., but is hoping for more.

Still, Monday night was a significant step. "I wanted to finish my certificate," she said, noting she had to start over. "My goal, that was to finish school ... after five years."

Superintendent James Brosnan reminded the graduates of the family members — many waiting with cameras and flowers to greet the graduates — who has supported them over the past year.

"All of us assembled in this gymnasium tonight will benefit from your education, your expertise," he said.

The Graduates Photos Scholarships & Awards
Cosmetology
Alicia Andrews, North Adams
Jenna Benoni, Florida
Ashley Bostic, Adams

Jamie LeTourneau, North Adams
Alyssa Mangiardi, Lanesborough
Alyssa Norcross, North Adams
Courtney Sage, North Adams
Zoe Tefft, North Adams

Dental Assisting
Emily Bullett, North Adams
Linda Cote, North Adams
Cashea Demary, Pittsfield
Patrice Dermody, Cheshire
Katielynn Hoffman, Pittsfield
Olivia Hyte, Cheshire
Robin Williams, Pittsfield
Sydney Zavatter, Pittsfield

Medical Assisting
Alyssa Bromley, Adams
Jennifer Derby, Pittsfield
Michelle Doucette, Pittsfield
Erica Garofalo, Pittsfield
Lindsay Grimes, Williamstown
Heather Malloy, North Adams
Than Nay, Pittsfield
Jennifer Racine, Adams
Kiersten Sweet, Adams
Rena Virgilio, Pittsfield

Surgical Technology
Stephen Eggleston, Pittsfield
Shelby Groves, Pittsfield
Samantha Kabat, Williamsburg

 

Adams Mountain Club Scholarship: Patrice Dermody, dental assisting
Sharon Ferguson Memorial Scholarship: Emily Bullett, dental assisting
Massachusetts Dental Society Scholarship: Katielynn Hoffman, dental assisting
Dental Assisting National Board Stipend: Olivia Hyte and Katielynn Hoffman
Jamie Sacchetti Drennan Memorial Scholarship: Shelby Groves, surgical technology

SkillsUSA State Competition Awards
Silver Medal Winners: Dental Assisting: Robin Williams; Medical Assisting: Lindsay Grimes; Job Interview: Erika Garofalo, medical assisting
Gold Medal Winners: Dental Assisting: Olivia Hyte, who will attend the national competition; Medical Assisting: Michelle Doucette

 


Tags: graduation,   graduation 2013,   McCann,   

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Celebrity Chef Feed Our Neighbors Event

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Christian Center in Pittsfield is set to host a gastronomic extravaganza like no other on May 6 from 3pm to 7pm. 
 
The "Feed Our Neighbors" event promises an afternoon filled with delectable delights, lively music, and a spirit of community coming together to support a noble cause.
 
Renowned Celebrity Chef Chris Bonnivier, known for his culinary prowess and philanthropic spirit, spearheads this initiative to aid the local food pantry. With a heart as big as his flavors, Chef Bonnivier has rallied an impressive lineup of local eateries to join forces in the fight against hunger.
 
Guests can expect to indulge in a diverse array of culinary creations from beloved establishments such as Zuchini's, Fully Belly, Mazzeo's, Firehouse Cafe, KJ Nosh, Common Table, 413 Bistro, Uptown Smoke, Austin Riggs, Berkshire Catering Group, Porta Via, and more! From savory to sweet, there will be something to tantalize every palate. Haddad Subaru, will be providing a donation of their own as well as being onsite to volunteer, and raise money through some fun cornhole challenges! Subaru will also be collecting food at their East St location from now until May 5. Please stop in with your canned or dry goods.
 
Adding to the festive ambiance, Pittsfield's own musical sensation, Whiskey City, will provide the perfect backdrop of toe-tapping tunes, ensuring a lively atmosphere throughout the event.
 
But it's not just about food and music - "Feed Our Neighbors" will also feature exciting raffles, offering attendees the chance to win!
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