NORTH ADAMS, Mass.— The post-secondary graduates at McCann Technical School took the next step toward their chosen career paths during Wednesday's graduation ceremony.

 

This was with recognition from the Medical Assisting Program graduates who thanked instructor Terry LeClair for waiting for them. 

 

"How do we say thank you to a woman who waited for us. Her last class," graduate Laura Blanchard said. "With compassion, caring, and a tough attitude ... We are here and so thankful for what you did for us. I am so thankful that we were your last class. You have given us careers and the second part of our lives."

 

Superintendent James Brosnan said toward the beginning of the ceremony that LeClair is retiring after 20 years in the program  

 

School Committee Chairman Gary Rivers said LeClair elevated the program. She has touched medical facilities throughout the region and former students can be found in just about any area hospital, he said.

 

"I know how hard she worked and how dedicated she was, and the hours she put into this program to make it fantastic," Rivers said.

 

The ceremony was held on the front lawn of the school. It typically would be held in the gymnasium, however, it has been a different kind of year, Rivers said.

 

"Needless to say, this school year has been extremely difficult for everyone. You were asked to adapt to new learning systems and teaching techniques never used throughout the course of educational history," he said. "But there are some benefits from all of this you have been you've had a personal preview of the future world of work."

 

He added the path of a post-secondary student isn't always easy and commended them for their grit and hard work.

 

"You have stayed the course, successfully navigating all the twists and turns along your journey no matter how bad the roads and accommodations may have been," he said. "I am not surprised that you are sitting here tonight. You have overcome the many challenges, the difficulty of the material, being a parent, a spouse, and late hours of studying. but because of your drive and determination, you are successful.

 

Brosnan echoed this statement and said this is all more impressive given the pandemic.

 

"This evening marks the culmination of a unique class gathered to my right," he said. "They spent their time here for one year following the COVID standards and protocols. We as civilians lived through it and adjusted, but they had to take that extra step."

 

Berkshire District Dental Assistant's Association Scholarship was presented to Cassandra Boucher and the Linda L. Walker Scholarship was given to Arielle Poirot, also in the Dental Assisting Program. The Jamie Sacchetti Drennan Memorial Scholarship was presented to Stormie Carmody, a graduate of the Surgical Technology Program.