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McCann Celebrates 20 Nursing Grads in Pinning Ceremony

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — McCann Technical School honored the achievements of 20 new Practical Nursing graduates at its annual pinning ceremony on Monday. 

The group received congratulations and well wishes from faculty, administrators and several other guests.

Superintendent James Brosnan said the new graduates share a comradery together through the shared experience in the nursing program. 

"I doubt anybody knew each other before they got here, but now they're best friends for the rest of their lives," he said. "... Notwithstanding everything that the faculty did for you, you did this yourselves. You really made it together." 

Lorraine Mancuso, a retired education specialist at Berkshire Health Systems, gave an address to the graduates before they received their pins. She told them to rely on others and work as a team wherever they end up. 

"What makes the experience work for both the patient, as well as yourself? That is the healthcare team. The team is what makes that work being performed successful and rewarding for everyone," she said. "Sharing experiences, motivating others and leaning on one another to help the team to be successful." 

Practical Nursing Coordinator Christa Berthiaume congratulated the graduates and thanked their families for helping to foster their success. 

"Some are natural leaders, some are quiet and observant, some are opinionated and outgoing," she said. "... I can honestly say that this group has come together in a truly unique and inspirational way."  

She reiterated that nursing is a difficult and ever-changing profession. 

"Nursing is not just knowing about the facts and the medications that somebody has, it is about caring for the whole person: body, mind and soul," she said. "These are memories that you will hold onto forever." 

This year's graduates are:

Adams:

Heidi L Comalli

Amber L. Foster

Bryan E. Lillie

Clarksburg:

Donna M. Messenger

Cummington:

Mikayla N. Howes

Dalton:

Lisa M. Gillooly

Kristen N. Soules

Lanesborough:

Caroline A. Knox

Lee:

Heather M. van Lingen

North Adams:

Cassandra M. Follett-Montgomery

Mary M. Karimi

Megan M. Lillibridge

Nicole M. Rivard

Kelley L. Wilson-Wood

Kacie Jo Wood

Pittsfield:

Jillian E. Cimini

Michelle M. Hugar

Andrea R. Jones

Bonnie L. Lyon

Stacia N. Puzio

Jamie G. Smith

This year's scholarship recipients are: 

Rachel Canto Botto Rhodes, RN Memorial Scholarship:

Cassandra Follett-Montgomery 

Amber Foster 

Kristen Soules 

Kelley Wilson-Wood 

Kacie Wood 

Fay Ellen Fosser Memorial Scholarship:

Kristen Soules 

Kelley Wilson-Wood

More photos can be found 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.