McCann Graduates 104 Students in Class of 2022

McCann graduated 104 seniors on Thursday. See more photos here.

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — McCann Technical School valedictorian Tyler Pettit said there is something different about the 104 members of the class of 2022 at Thursday's commencement ceremony.

"From freshman year being like any other school year, to a global pandemic forcing us into remote learning during our sophomore year ... Many will say that this improved our work ethic, but it did something that I did not expect; it built character for each one of us," he said.

Students, friends, family and the graduates gathered on the McCann football field for the graduation, after a day's delay because of rainy weather. Pettit asked his fellow graduates to focus on improving themselves and not lose the character created by the difficult times they have faced together.

"Don't worry about what you cannot predict, but what you can do," he said. "Whether it be through employment, military or higher education, make the most of the opportunities that come your way. Do not worry whether your next journey brings great fortune."

Pettit thanked his friends, family, teachers and others who helped and supported him throughout his high school career. He urged his classmates to focus the fun and exciting times rather than the bad times.

"For me, it was always getting to play in a tight game in lacrosse or hockey," he said. "Because it made for the most fun when your entire team was working in unison. Although, looking back isn't always about the fun events, but remembering the lifelong friends you made and how they changed you for the better."

During his speech, salutatorian Ethan Rudin shared something Principal Justin Kratz told him about the sense of community McCann students develop.

"He said to me that, of the schools he's taught at, McCann has the ability to take students from across our district and make them feel united together in ways that other schools simply do not possess," he said.

All of the graduates, Rudin said, have a shared experience that goes beyond where they are from in Berkshire County.

"Today, we're not saying, 'I am from North Adams,' or 'I am from Dalton.' Today, we say 'We graduated,' and we graduate not as individuals, but as the class of 2022, united together by all the relationships we've had."

There were two special recognitions on Thursday night.

Zowie Martin-Levesque, who was seriously injured during a class in late April, was able to attend and participate in the ceremony. Martin-Levesque, who was applauded by the crowd, graduated from the school's metal fabrication program.

Evan McAllister, who passed away in 2020, was honored as a member of the class of 2022 at the ceremony. His diploma was received by his father, Steve McAllister, and sister Lauren McAllister.

Kratz could not attend commencement but wrote the graduates a letter read by Assistant Principal Keith Daigneault. He decided to rewrite his speech after learning he would be unable to attend.

"My original speech was a little longer, and I was going to tell some stories and jokes about how past generations talk about walking to school up hill, both ways, barefoot, in the snow and how they have nothing," the letter read. "But ultimately, the message I was trying to convey was pride. I am proud of all of you. We, the faculty, staff, and administration, are proud of all of you."

During his remarks, McCann School Committee Chair Gary Rivers said none of the class would be graduating if they were not all exceptional students. He shared a memory from an exhibit he viewed at the Kennedy Space Center about the original seven astronauts and noted that this graduating class reminds him of them.

"The words they used to describe these men were: curious, inspired, passionate, disciplined, confident and selfless. I would like you to take a moment and reflect on each of those characteristics and see if you might use any to describe yourself," he said. "I cannot help but think that you all possess, to some degree, most, if not all these various characteristics."  

Rivers urged the graduates to thank those that helped them throughout their high school careers. He said they should begin to think of a philosophy of life if they have not already developed one.

"Always do the right thing, do it to the best of your ability and always show people you care," he said. "Remember, experience is a hard teacher because she gives the test first and the lesson afterward."

Superintendent James Brosnan expressed admiration for the students and their ability to persist despite the challenges presented by COVID-19.

"Over the last two years, during our health crisis issues, they took it upon themselves to not be deterred from their studies, both academic and vocational," he said. "So for that they are to be congratulated for, for that they set the example for all the underclassmen, and they did so for the faculty and staff here. We are so proud of what you did," he said.

McCann Awards & Scholarships

Graduation photos here.

The McCann Technical School class of 2022: 

Seneca Hunter Bolte
Dominic Christopher Brigg
Emily May Cooper
Marcus Benjamin Green
Jeramia John-Marcus Bushika
Colin Phillip Bain
Jonathan Ryan Cornell
Eric William Harrison
Emily Lynn Belanger
Jason Allyn Knapp
Haley Marie Bourdon
Avery Michael Huffstater
Logan Francis King
Anthony Joseph LaDouceur
Justin Ananda Chen
Austin Tyler Cooper
Kiara Madae' Luczynski
Jaise Thomas Lavoie
Brandon James Demers
Joshua David Pierce
Natayn Jonathan Lemieux
Owen Daniel Gagne
Hannah Joyce Richardson
Austin James Stojda
Allyson Elizabeth Krzanik
Chase James Francis VanderWoude
Damien Joseph Tarjick
Jacob Wallace Lavariere
Demetrie Shaw Thompson
Keiden Robert Will
Branden Scott Lincoln
Garrett Patrick Morin
Emma Claire Moser
Brady Robert Patenaude
Ethan Michael Bowman
Alexis Laurie Taylor
Elizabeth Anastacia Clark
Honor Society (blue sash/gold tassel)
BPA(red & blue tassel/cords)
Madison June Clark

Friday Front Porch Feature: A Charming House Like New

By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff
06:57PM / Friday, December 19, 2025

The home prior to renovations.

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Are you looking for a newly renovated home with great space? Then this might be the perfect fit for you!

Our Friday Front Porch is a weekly feature spotlighting attractive homes for sale in Berkshire County. This week, we are showcasing 100 Autumn Drive.

This three-bedroom, two-bathroom split level was built in 1965 and is 1,396 square feet on 0.32 acres.

The house was completely renovated recently. It includes a one-car garage, and comes with appliances including a dishwasher and stove/oven, and other major appliances.

The house is listed for $359,500.

We spoke with owners Michael Zeppieri and Chris Andrews, who did the renovations. Zeppieri is an agent with Alton and Westall Real Estate Agency.

What was your first impression when you walked into the home?

Zeppieri: I purchased this home to do a full renovation flip and saw tremendous potential in this mid-century split level home that had not been updated since it was built in the 1960s, in a great North Adams neighborhood.

 

Andrews: The house was a much different house when we first purchased it in 2022 (photo attached is from about 2010.)  The interior was painted all in dark colors and we brightened it up with neutral colors. The transformation makes you feel like you are in a totally different house.  

 

 

What were the recent renovations, any standout design features?

 

Zeppieri: The house has had a complete reconfiguration including new kitchen with high-end appliances, ceramic tiled baths, hardwood floors, new windows and roof ... just to name a few.  All a buyer has to do is move in and enjoy.

 

Andrews: Yes, we renovated the entire house.  New windows, new roof, all new custom black gutter system, new blacktop driveway, hardwood floors were installed through out the house. New kitchen and bathrooms as well as painting the exterior and interior of the house.  New paver patio in the back yard.

 

What kind of buyer would this home be ideal for?

 

Zeppieri: The buyer for this home could be a first-time homebuyer or a retiree ... the location is close to attractions in North Adams ... and the property is located in Autumn Heights, which is a very small residential development with several long-term owners.

 

Andrews: This home is truly ideal for a variety of buyers. Whether a first-time homebuyer, a small family or even someone looking to downsize from a larger home.

 

 

What do you think makes this property stand out in the current market?

 

Zeppieri: The location, price and move-in condition of this home make it a true market leader in the North Adams Market.

 

Andrews: This house is completely renovated and in a desirable location of North Adams. The natural light in the home really makes the interior pop. And with all the upgrades the home stays quite cool in the summer months.

Do you know any unique stories about the home or its history?

Zeppieri: This home was built for the Gould family in 1969 and they lived there till 2010. It was always a family home during that time in which the Goulds had two children ... and Virgina Gould managed Mohawk Forest Apartments and was a very active resident of North Adams.

 

Andrews: Built in about 1965.

 

What do the current owners love about this home?

 

Zeppieri: As the current owner it was a fun project to transform this home and get it ready for its next adventure with a new family to enjoy for many years.

 

Andrews: No one has lived in the house since we purchased the home. The new owners would be the first to live in the house since the renovations have been completed.

 

 

What would you say to a buyer trying to imagine their life in this space?

 

Andrews: I would suggest seeing the house either on a sunny day or at twilight to really get a vision of how special the home feels.  

 

You can find out more about this house on its listing here.

*Front Porch Feature brings you an exclusive to some of the houses listed on our real estate page every week. Here we take a bit of a deeper dive into a certain house for sale and ask questions so you don't have to.