Principal Justin Kratz addresses the graduates. Look for more photos later.
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."
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Clarksburg FinCom, Select Board Agree on $1.9M Town Operating Budget
By Tammy DanielsiBerkshires Staff
CLARKSBURG, Mass. — The town is looking at an operating budget of $1,859,413 for fiscal 2025, down a percent from this year largely because of debt falling off.
Town officials are projecting a total budget at about $5.1 million, however, the School Committee is not expected to approve a school budget for two more weeks so no final number has been determined.
Town officials said they've asked the school budget to come in at a 2 percent increase. Finance Committee member Carla Fosser asked what would happen if it was more than that.
"Then we would need to make cuts," said Town Administrator Carl McKinney, adding, "I'm a product of that school. But at the same time, we have a town to run to and, you know, we're facing uncertain weather events. And our culverts are old, the roads are falling apart. ... ."
The assessment to McCann Technical School is $363,220, down about $20,000 from this year.
The major increases on the town side are step and cost-of-living raises for employees (with the exception of the town clerk at her request), the addition of a highway laborer, an increase in hours from 16 to 24 for the town accountant, and insurance and benefits that are about $70,000. There is a slight increase for employee training and supplies such as postage.
Select Board Chair Robert Norcross at Wednesday's joint meeting with the Finance Committee, said the town's employees are hard-working and that wages aren't keeping up with inflaction.
The closure was announced on the store's Facebook page late Sunday night, where it immediately drew comments of remembrance and well-wishing.
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Spring arriving in all its raucous and deliberate awakening is heralded by a symphony of vanguard spring peepers, hyla crucifer, that transform the cold and drear into a circus of vivacious trilling. click for more
The fate of the facility attached to Brayton School has been in limbo since the closure of the pool last year because of structural issues and the departure of the Berkshire Family YMCA in March.
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