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

McCann Senior Christopher Sunn Wins Superintendents Award

By Brian RhodesiBerkshires Staff
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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. 

 


Tags: McCann,   recognition event,   

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NAHA Board Accepts Director's Resignation, Unlocks Tenants Association Office

By Jack GuerinoiBerkshires Staff

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — The North Adams Housing Authority Board of Commissioners officially accepted the resignation of Executive Director Jennifer Hohn and restored access to the Tenants Association office.

The board held a special meeting Thursday to vote to accept Hohn's resignation and determined that there are currently no plans to replace her.

"We didn't make any final determinations in terms of the executive session so we will schedule another meeting at another time," Chairwoman Leigh Uqdah said after returning from more than an hour session. "Day-to-day operations will continue to be managed as normal by staff."

Per their bylaws, board member Marie Harpin will continue to handle finances, and Uqdah will manage contracts.

Hohn stepped down on Oct. 8 after 24 years leading the agency. Her resignation followed rising tension between her and the NAHA Tenants Association, culminating in the scheduling of a formal grievance hearing between both parties.

The boiling point was the locking of the association's office this summer. Tenants alleged the lockout was retaliation for posting a video on social media depicting improperly functioning door alarms. Hohn claimed the office was locked for tenant safety and to stop the spread of misinformation.

Tenants Association President Corey Fortin asked if Hohn's security access had been removed. Uqdah confirmed her credentials were revoked the day she resigned, meaning she can no longer monitor security cameras remotely.

Jennifer Barbeau, a former city councilor who was liaison to the Housing Authority, asked when the board met to discuss Hohn's severance package. Uqdah stated that Hohn did not have one.

The board also accepted the resignation of Commissioner Richard Lavigne, though they will vote officially on the matter at their next meeting.

The open portion of the meeting was brief, with nearly an hour and a half spent in executive session. Before entering executive session, the board opened the floor to tenants.

"The tenants requested an opportunity to talk to the board," said Uqdah. "It has been quite a while, but we have decided to honor that."

Fortin, who posted the original video to social media, was the first to speak. He was clear in his request: unlock the office door.

"Let's cut straight to the chase tonight. The former resigned Director Jennifer Hohn ordered the office locked," he alleged. "She is gone. The lockout is a direct violation, and the board has a duty to end that tonight."

He cited federal and state laws that mandate the tenants association be provided with office space, including computer and network access.

"We are here with a direct administrative demand. We demand that the board vote tonight to unlock the doors," he said. "Do not let a resigned director's illegal action remain the board's ongoing liability. Open our door tonight, and let us get back to work."

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