McCann Senior Christopher Sunn Wins Superintendents Award

Sunn, a senior in the school's Computer Aided Design program, is a straight-A student with a 4.4 GPA.

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — McCann Technical School student Christopher Sunn has received a certificate of academic excellence from the Mass Association of School Superintendents. 

Sunn, a senior in the school's Computer Aided Design program, is a straight-A student with a 4.4 GPA. When he graduates, Sunn plans to attend UMass Amherst, where he will study engineering. 

Superintendent James Brosnan presented Sunn and his family with the award at the school committee meeting on Thursday. 

"It's our most enjoyable and most exciting evening at our December meeting, where we are able to recognize McCann student that has been selected to receive the Massachusetts superintendent's Association Award," he said. 

Principal Justin Kratz noted several of Sunn's accomplishments at the school, including his time on the cross-country team, his participation in SkillsUSA and his gold-medal award in architectural drafting. He said Sunn and his class were just Freshman when the COVID-19 pandemic began. 

"That's a lot for kids to go through. A lot of changes, a lot of adapting. A lot of flexibility, a lot of patience," he said. "And yet, still was able to make it through on top of his class. And he did a remarkable job," he said.

Kratz also read comments submitted by several teachers about Sunn. The comments lauded him for his work ethic and participation in the classroom. 

"Through all, Chris has brought an attitude of academic excellence, as well as palpable joy to our classroom, and I'm grateful. I can foresee that the future looks bright and promising for Chris, and I'm honored to have him as a student," one teacher wrote.

"Chris exemplifies the qualities and values that the community has come to expect in the McCain student," another teacher commented. "And for this and many other reasons, we think he is the perfect choice for the superintendent's award." 

Committee Chair Gary Rivers congratulated Sunn for his hard work and accomplishments at McCann

"Only one student in each school in the Commonwealth receives such an award," he said. "You should be commended on your work ethic, your sense of purpose, and your intentional fortitude to continue working as hard as you work when, seemingly, it comes easy to you," he said. "It's a wish for all of our students, is that they live up to the talents that they were given. And you certainly have lived up to all of your talents." 

In other business, Brosnan acknowledged a letter from the Clarksburg Select Board, thanking the students from the school for their work replacing the roof on the Peter Cook Memorial Field Pavilion. 

"It was an excellent project for our students, who are only too glad to help," he said. 

• Rivers thanked Committee Member Diane Parsons for her work on the committee. Parsons, a North Adams representative on the committee resigned from her position because she has moved to Adams. 

Brown Street Bridge Reopens in North Adams

By Jack GuerinoiBerkshires Staff
01:16PM / Monday, December 15, 2025

Mayor Jennifer Macksey is the first to drive across the bridge, closed since early 2023.

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Mayor Jennifer Macksey led a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Monday, Dec. 15, marking the official reopening of the Brown Street Bridge.

 

"We are very excited despite the cold weather," Macksey said before the ribbon-cutting. "… We are chipping away at these projects, but this is long overdue."

 

The bridge had been closed to all vehicle traffic since March 2023 after being deemed structurally deficient by the state Department of Transportation (MassDOT). The 26-foot steel structure, built in 1952, was flagged after its superstructure rating fell to 3.

 

The reopening follows a temporary repair project designed to safely restore access while the city and state determine a long-term plan. The temporary repair contract was awarded to J.H. Maxymillian at a cost of $349,920.

 

Funding for the project included $75,000 from state Chapter 90 road funds, with the balance was covered by state flood money the city had been previously awarded following a severe storm in July several years ago.

 

The mayor emphasized the critical need to reopen the span, particularly for public safety. 

 

"The perception behind that was we have flooding on West Main Street and River Street, we have to use this bridge," she said. "We are very excited to have it open. Not only to alleviate traffic problems down at the intersection of Big Y and the intersection of City Hall, but to help our friends at emergency management with the ambulance."