McCann Senior Praised For Her Achievements

Superintendent James Brosnan presents McCann senior Laura Netti with the Superintendent's Award for 2015.

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. – McCann Technical School senior Laura Netti has received the Superintendent's Award.

Superintendent James Brosnan presented Netti with the award Thursday night during a ceremony in front of her family and the McCann School Committee.

The Massachusetts Association of Superintendents allows for superintendents to present the award to only one student a year.

"This is easily the most exciting part of my life is making the presentation that I am about to give," Brosnan said. "This is a distinct honor ... I think every single day when Laura comes to school she is always ready to work and help others."

Principal Justin Kratz read a long list of Netti's accomplishments. She is ranked first in her glass with a 4.3 grade-point average. She has also received awards for excellence and outstanding achievement in many of her courses and is an Adams Scholar.

Kratz said it is not a huge surprise that Netti received the award.  

"She has received many accolades leading up to this award as well so it is not a huge, huge surprise to see you up here as the winner of the Superintendent's Award," Kratz said. "You have done so well here."

Netti, daughter of Joseph and Paula Benoni of Clarksburg, has been involved in Project Lead the Way and Skills USA, has made high honors throughout her high school career, is captain of the girls cross country team, and takes a solid class load of AP courses. She is also a member of the National Honors Society.

Kratz read emails from Netti's teachers praising her and her accomplishments.

"First words that come to mind are kind and thoughtful. Laura is the kind of student that you want to give the Superintendent's Award to."

"Her commitment to excellence is a testament to her character and her family."

"High grades come fairly easily to Laura, yet she has a totally unassuming personality ... I have never seen her upset or impatient towards anything. She makes everything look easy."

Committee member James Gazzaniga praised Netti for her achievements and wished her the best of luck.

"This started the first time you said a word to your mom, progressed when you were able to read your first simple sentences from a book, then through that whole elementary school experience, and through your fourth year of high school here," Gazzaniga said. "You have never ever stopped running and being motivated and involving yourself in many activates. It's an amazing journey, and this part of it culminates here."

Netti thanked all those present for the award.

"Thank you," she said. "I am honored to receive this award."

Netti said she wants to go to college and is interested in pre-med or becoming a physician's assistant.

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