NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Graduates from McCann Technical School were advised to thank the many people who helped them to their success and to recognize the strength and value within themselves. 

 

The diploma presentation was a noisy affair as family and friends cheered and stomped their feet on the bleachers in the Amsler Campus Center at Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts as the 123 graduates applauded each every classmate on Wednesday night. 

 

Valedictorian Christopher Sunn said every single member of the class, and everyone in the gym, has measurable value defined by their character, their compassion and their actions. 

 

"We should recognize that each person possesses individual talents, strengths and perspectives that contribute to each of our lives. Our value was in the diversity of our experiences, our impact, and the limitless potential that lies within each and every one of us," he said. "So let's use today to acknowledge our personal growth in ways that cannot be represented by something as simple as a greater test score."

 

It is their kindness, empathy and integrity that allows all of them to form lasting connections and make positive impacts, Sunn said, and they should remember that success is not a solitary endeavor, but a collective effort.

 

"Success to me is rooted in personal growth and having a positive impact in the lives of other people," he said. "Always remember that your talents, your perspectives, and your actions have enriched our collective experience. So embrace your worth and celebrate yourselves because you've earned it."

 

And with that he led the class in turning their tassels, completing the awarding of their diplomas by Superintendent James Brosnan and School Committee Chairman Gary Rivers. 

 

Rivers has given a multitude of speeches as a former principal of the school. On Wednesday, he told the class they had made a tremendous accomplishment and congratulated them on their hard work, dedication and commitment. 

 

"If you haven't developed a philosophy of life, maybe it's time to start thinking about it," he said. "Perhaps these few words can get you started, or at least provide you with some thought: Always do the right thing. Especially when no one's watching. When you stumble, make it part of the dance. And remember there's a point in every relationship and friendship where friends stop being friends and become brothers and sisters. Welcome to the McCann family."

 

Salutatorian Molly Boyer told her classmates that their graduation was a major accomplishment. 

 

"The class of 2023 is extraordinary in many ways and we have grown into extremely mature, responsible and kind young adults," she said. "We have developed a new sense of independence and perseverance. McCann has provided a foundation established a discipline and given us the skills we need to succeed."

 

Rather than thinking about the past or worrying about the future, Boyer told the graduates to make an effort to be in the moment.

 

"Today's not so much ending as is the beginning as we turn the page to a new chapter. I want you to remember this," she said. "This is a blank page. You are the author and every day is a new opportunity to be a part of the change you want to see in the world. I encourage you to work hard, take risks, learn from your mistakes, and be patient, honest and kind."

 

Principal Justin Kratz recognized two longtime members of the school community who were departing: girls soccer coach Michael Dowling and information technology instructor Perry Burdick. 

 

Dowling had been coaching for more than 20 years, Kratz said, and Burdick was retiring after 29 years. 

 

The principal reiterated some of the points that the students speakers had made about kindness and integrity and that, he said, should leave the gathering "feeling hopeful about our future" in a seeming chaotic world. 

 

"You have grown into extremely mature, responsible and kind young adults," he said, adding he wanted to add a twist to Ghandi's quote about being the change in the world.

 

"I'd like to challenge you all to be the standard you wish to see in the world," Kratz said. "Making through high school is a feat for anyone. You guys did it through a pandemic. There's nothing you guys can't handle."

 

The McCann Technical School Class of 2023

 

Advanced Manufacturing

Camryn Elizabeth Belisle

Collin Rorick Booth

Jack Harald Cooper

Noah Joseph DeBenedetto

Mireille Elizabeth Gwozdz

Nicholas Benjamin Howland

George Thomas Oscar Kipp

Madison Audrey Madole

Lucan Wayne McGrath

Lillian Dawn Meehan

Katlyn Paige O'Neil

Christopher Anthony Randall

Sean Anthony Rousseau

Dylan Sean Stockwell

Jacob Philip Touponce

Chloe Ruth Whitman

Rosemarie Lynn Wood

 

Automotive

Coby Jacob Boudreau

Hailey Elizabeth Lee

Nicholas Mathew Newton

Shaylee Olivia Ryan-Guest

Haley Elizabeth Williams

 

Business Technology

Molly Elizabeth Boyer

Maria Jocelyn Gregory

Madison Ann Moon

Mia Marie Parise

Jalissa Marie Regan

Evan Russell Rose

Kali Ann Sumner

Macey Jean Tatro

 

Carpentry

Zachary Raymond Alvarez

Ian Thomas Ames

Aaron James Benoit

Isabella Lily Champney

Karissa Marie Dellaghelfa

Gavin Robert Eastland

Lane Michael Kurpiel

Aaron Thomas Livsey

Joshua Michael Livsey

Thomas Michael Loughman

Lauren Rita Mroz

Sean Michael Mullen

Hayden Francis Singer

Jacob Michael Stokes

Logan Michael Traversa

Caleb Richard-Joseph Vittorio-Ballard 

Brianna Joan Wehrle

 

Computer Assisted Design

Riley Elizabeth Beaumont

Alex Elise Bird

Noah Carter Braman

Samantha Lee Canales

Erin Lee Ciempa

Cameron Russell Durocher

Alexis Anne Gamari

Isabella Ryan Hartley

Matthew Aaron Lake

Colby James Marko

Daniel Sean McGrory

Max Wotkowicz Morin

Jeremy Ross Patterson Jr.

Christian Lewis Perreault

Jasmine Lee Robert

Christopher Joseph Sunn

Ashley Lauren Thomson

Jacob Elliott Tullo

Brenna Mary Wojcik

 

Culinary Arts

Vivianna Grace Belanger

Hannah Elizabeth Decker

Maia Xue Di Lego

Giovanni Nicholas Errichetto

Josephine Nicole Hartwig

Julia Grace LaSalle

Keira Aurella Lennon

Alexis Marie Luczynski

Riley Marie Morse

Berrick Daniel O'Keefe

Colin Zachary Pierce

 

Electricity

Nicholas Vito Abuisi

Ethan Ryan Corkins

David Michael Delisle

Owen Edwin Glen Demers

Madeline Jean Durocher

Alexander William Girard

Daniel Brian Gogan

Ryan Michael Medon

Devon Nikolas Modena

Jacob Parker Gustavo Montoya-Alvarado

Dominick James Pause

Austin Lee Smith

Troy Xavier Wnuk

 

Information Technology

Vincenzo Giulio Covello

Renae Patricia Gamari

Zachary Noel Gaylord

Anastasia Selena Girard

Emily Rose Glasier

Addison Rose Hayer

Jonathan Patrick Lewis

Ivan Liang

Catryna Jean Marsh

Samara June Maxwell

Cordelia Rose Moran

Charlie Hopper Myers

Taylor Lynn Paree

Ethan Joshua Stapleton

James Scott Sumy

Hannah Marie Tatro

Emma Janiece Vallieres

Matthew Valotta

Joseph Ashley Vareschi

 

Metal Fabrication

River Thomas Alpi

Bryce Christopher Bachand

Seth Alfred Blanchard

Jacob Haskins Bugbee

Christopher Jacob Diesz

Jordan Anthony Greenbush

Owen Samuel Hoffman

Hunter Douglas Klein

Izabella Marie Lamore

Lucia Eve Pantano

Jacob Paul Shustack

Nathan James Todd

Lily Catherine Ward

Kolby Alexzander Yorke