NBUW's Spirit of Caring Awards Being Held in Person

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Northern Berkshire United Way is hosting the 4th annual Spirit of Caring Awards on Thursday, June 9, from 5 to 7 p.m. at 3 West Events in the Norad Mill. 

This will be the first time since 2019 that the event will be held in person. This event honors individuals for their service to Northern Berkshire United Way, its network and the overall Northern Berkshire Community.

Adams Community Bank is a platinum sponsor of the event and Greylock Federal Credit Union is the gold sponsor.  Silver sponsors are George Apkin & Sons, Specialty Minerals, Moresi & Associates and Wal-Mart.

Amy Giroux will be presented with the Al Nelson Spirit of Caring Award, named after the former Northern Berkshire United Way executive director. Giroux is a longtime volunteer in the community and a former board president of Northern Berkshire United Way. During her many years of work in the community, she has been an advocate for creating learning and recreational opportunities for children of all ages.

Stacy Parsons will be presented the Spirit of the Future Award. Stacy works out of North Adams Public Schools as the North Berkshire School Housing Partnership coordinator and state Department of Elementary and Secondary Education McKinney-Vento regional liaison. Her work focuses on supporting schools and community organizations in meeting the educational stability needs of highly mobile students. Parson works tirelessly on behalf of the community and served as the volunteer coordinator at the COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic in North Adams during the pandemic.

Alex Daugherty will be presented the Spirit of the Community Award. Daugherty is a longtime adult probation officer through Northern Berkshire District Court who has given back to his community in so many ways through his volunteer service. At the core of his volunteerism is youth development and support for individuals who have overcome challenges and are trying to make a fresh start

Adams Community Bank will be recognized as NBUW's Campaign of the Year for the generous employee and corporate support.

NBUW supports 19 member agencies that provide health, education and financial stability programs in our service area.  We are committed to providing funding in the area of safety-net services.

For more information, email Patti Messina at pmessina@nbunitedway.org or call the office at 413-663-9062. Tickets can be purchased here.  

McCann Recognizes Superintendent Award Recipient

By Tammy DanielsiBerkshires Staff
05:32PM / Tuesday, December 23, 2025

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.