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

North Adams Lifts Boil Water Order for Most of City