McCann Post-Secondary Graduates 39 Students

By Jen ThomasPrint Story | Email Story
Candice Martin, 18, of Adams, and Jessica Hume, 25, of Dalton recieved certificates last night during a Charles H. McCann Technical School graduation.[Photo by Jen Thomas]
North Adams - Students termed a Charles H. McCann Technical School education a "different path" and the 39 students who graduated from post-secondary programs last night said they are pleased they chose this route to their future. "When you’re in your teens, you think more about today than tomorrow, but when you get older, you start thinking about tomorrow," said School Committee Chairman Daniel J. Maloney Jr. during his graduation ceremony remarks. Bright New Careers Most of the students seated in the front rows of the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts’ Amsler Campus Center gym believed "tomorrow" included bright new careers that will rely on the education they received at McCann school. "We’re able to put what we’ve learned to good use," said Mallory Bonneville, 22, of Adams, who plans a career as a dental assistant. “We can actually go and stick our hands in people’s mouths. We really go out and do it.” Receiving certifications in cosmetology, medical assisting, dental assisting, and surgical technology and one certification in postgraduate automotive technology, many of the 39 graduates said they already have jobs lined up post-graduation. They credited their instructors and internship opportunities for the chance to put their education to use right away. "McCann really prepares you for what comes after school," said medical assisting graduate Sheena Santelli, 33, of Williamstown. "I was able to get into a fast-growing profession and get a job, and this program and these teachers do their best to help us find jobs." Santelli has accepted a position with Orthopedic Associates in Williamstown. Motivation And Challenge Classmate Bethany Potter, 24, of Pownal, Vt. credits medical assisting Coordinator Terry LeClair with the students’ job hunting success. "She really pushes us and motivates us to go out there and get jobs," said Potter, who will work at Williamstown Medical Associates. "Through our internships, we get a lot of opportunities. Once I did mine, I thought, 'I’m really glad I did this.'" Receiving a postsecondary education is rewarding but it’s not for everyone, said Danielle Thomann, a 23-year-old surgical technology graduate from Adams. "Surgical technology is just not for everyone," said Thomann of the program that originally enrolled 12 students, but graduated only four. "It’s a lot more than book work, and some people just can’t handle being in the operating room." Fellow surgical technology student Brandon D’Antonio, 20, of South Deerfield, said the nine-month program was "a quick way to get good pay." "And, you’re always learning," he said. "It’s nice to know you’re part of a team that’s helping to cure people - to save people’s lives." Thomann will begin working at North Adams Regional Hospital on June 11 and D’Antonio has accepted a job with Baystate Medical Center in Springfield. Rigorous Curriculum Other obstacles facing postsecondary students are the rigorous programs. "This is not an easy program for these people to complete," said Principal Gary F. Rivers during the ceremony, commending each graduate for the hard work in overcoming daily challenges. "It’s a lot balled into one year," said Kerri Priester, 23, of Adams, who received her certificate in dental assisting. "McCann is quicker, but it’s longer at the same time," said Santelli of the occupation-intensive programs. "It’s only nine months long, but you’re in class everyday for six hours." "It’s a different path than college, but in the end, it equals the same," said Priester who will also work as a dental assistant. Students choose to attend postsecondary school for a variety of reasons, according to the students at the commencement ceremonies. "It’s where you can learn the basics," said cosmetology student Rebecca Perrault, 21, of Dalton. "It’s nice to have someplace you can come and learn those things." "I think it’s a cheaper way to get an education," said Priester. "You essentially get two years of work into one, and, if you want, you can go onto community college with credits from our program." "As a single parent, it was affordable," said Shelly Alado, 27, of Adams. "It’s really a stepping stone to getting jobs," said North Adams resident Heidi Benoit, 22. Honors During the ceremony, several students were recognized for their excellence with awards presented by Assistant Principal Kathleen Millard. Kari Howland, 23, of Adams was the recipient of the Adams Mountain Club Award, given each year to a student from Adams or Cheshire. Mallory Bonneville received the Sharon Ferguson award, an honor developed in 1991 by the Quality Printing Company in Pittsfield after the death of McCann dental assisting graduate Sharon Ferguson. Tammy Lee Clark, of Adams, received the Massachusetts Vocational Association Postsecondary award for outstanding performance and excellent craftsmanship in the vocational area. Brandon D’Antonio was awarded the Massachusetts State Assembly of Surgical Technologists scholarship for academic and clinical achievements as well as support in the goals of the association. 'We are so proud of the people McCann puts into the community," said Rivers. Jen Thomas may be reached via e-mail at jthomas@iberkshires.com or at 413-663-3384 ext 23.
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McCann Recognizes Superintendent Award Recipient

By Tammy DanielsiBerkshires Staff

Landon LeClair and Superintendent James Brosnan with Landon's parents Eric and Susan LeClair, who is a teacher at McCann. 
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — The Superintendent's Award has been presented to Landon LeClair, a senior in McCann Technical School's advanced manufacturing course. 
 
The presentation was made last Thursday by Superintendent Jame Brosnan after Principal Justin Kratz read from teachers' letters extolling LeClair's school work, leadership and dedication. 
 
"He's become somewhat legendary at the Fall State Leadership Conference for trying to be a leader at his dinner table, getting an entire plate of cookies for him and all his friends," read Kratz to chuckles from the School Committee. "Landon was always a dedicated student and a quiet leader who cared about mastering the content."
 
LeClair was also recognized for his participation on the school's golf team and for mentoring younger teammates. 
 
"Landon jumped in tutoring the student so thoroughly that the freshman was able to demonstrate proficiency on an assessment despite the missed class time for golf matches," read Kratz.
 
The principal noted that the school also received feedback from LeClair's co-op employer, who rated him with all fours.
 
"This week, we sent Landon to our other machine shop to help load and run parts in the CNC mill," his employer wrote to the school. LeClair was so competent the supervisor advised the central shop might not get him back. 
 
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