NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — McCann Technical School senior Stephen Perreault was recognized Thursday during a small socially distanced award ceremony and given the Superintendent's Award.

 

"It is nice to have a tribute in this room for one of our No. 1 students," Superintendent James Brosnan said. "We have a great deal of pride that we are able to present this award to you." 

 

Each year, superintendents across the state award one student with a Certificate of Academic Excellence, sponsored by the Massachusetts Association of School Superintendents.

 

Principal Justin Kratz said Perreault, an advanced manufacturing technology student, has a 4.37 grade-point average and is No. 1 in his class. He has enrolled in multiple Advanced Placement and honors courses and has taken advanced courses at the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts.

 

"We are so proud of your accomplishments," Kratz said. "You have been a model student here at McCann."

 

Kratz read some testimonials from Perreault's teachers:     

 

"He is the portrait of the model student. He is kind, polite and diligent ... he has a knack for critical thinking that is well above his peers."

 

"Last year, Stephen was a rock star in a period of remote learning that was not easy for students by any stretch."

 

"He has always been someone who steps up to challenges ... based on his time at McCann, he will be a strong member of any college campus, enterprise, or whatever field he chooses to enter. I am sure we are not done hearing about his accomplishments."  

 

"He will excel regardless of where he goes. He is one of the most respectful, hardworking students I have ever had. He is definitely deserving of this award."

 

AMT instructor Tom Matuszak, who attended the ceremony, said he was always impressed by Perreault and that he learned how to program a robot remotely.

 

"I am sure his future is bright," he said. "Wherever he goes they are lucky to have him." 

 

Kratz acknowledged Perreault's family and said they surely played their part in his success. 

 

"You have to be incredibly proud of him ... a big part of why he is standing here is because of the support he has at home and the upbringing you provided," he said. "It was a privilege to have him here for four years and we are incredibly proud of him."

 

Perreault said he hopes to attend the Massachusetts Institute of Technology or Harvard.

 

He left some advice for other McCann students who may want to follow in his footsteps: don't be afraid to ask for help.

 

"If you are ever stuck on something all you have to do is say something," he said. "You just have to talk to a teacher they are all willing to help."