NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — The 110 graduates of the McCann Technical School class of 2024 were greeted with cheers as they entered the Amsler Center Gym on Wednesday night. 

 

"It's a distinct honor to be here to see a class that has worked diligently over the last four years to be successful tonight," said Superintendent James Brosnan. "And for family members and friends to be here to share this opportunity with you."

 

Diplomas and awards were presented by Brosnan and School Committee Chair Gary Rivers. Graduate Kaitlyn Thomson offered a stirring rendition of the national anthem and Brayden Reed was singled out by Principal Justin Kratz for having perfect attendance for all four years. The principal also recognized retiring school Librarian Rick Moon.

 

Kratz thanked Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts for lending them the space for graduation, joking with the crowd — fanning themselves with programs and diplomas in the steamy gym — that McCann's would have been 30 degrees hotter. 

 

Rivers asked the class to stand so the crowd could applaud them on their "tremendous accomplishment" that included earning certifications in their majors and competing in SkillsUSA and Business Professionals of America. 

 

"Your graduation is not only a celebration of your academic achievements in technical expertise, but it's also a testament to your character, perseverance and resilience," he said. "Despite the challenges and obstacles you may face, you have shown strength, courage and determination to succeed."

 

He encouraged them to embrace opportunity and pursue their dreams, goals and passions.

 

Hard work and gratitude were particular themes, with valedictorian Amy Lynn Harrington reminding her classmates that other students across the world are struggling with violence and oppression. 

 

"Our diplomas serve as a reminder of how lucky we are to have made it to graduation," she said, but there were also teachers and others who pushed them to do better. 

 

"Thank them for caring, for pushing you to be the best person of yourself, for not giving up on you," said Harrington. "Because believe me, there are students out there who did not have anyone looking out for them, who didn't make it to their graduation."

 

Never settle for mediocrity, she said, and never let bigotry or hatred gain way and prevent them from seeing people as human. 

 

"Use your privilege to make the world a better place for the people who need it most," Harrington said. "No matter what happens in life, never take what you have for granted. ...

 

"Take chances, make mistakes and never leave yourself wondering what if?"

 

Salutatorian Svea-Marie Meaghan Lawson said it was "mind-blowing" that they had finally made it to graduation after a high school career that started off on Zoom because of the pandemic. 

 

"It was a bizarre time. Some of you may have thrived, others of you may have struggled. Either way we have all made it to the special day today," she said. "We have all grown immensely in both knowledge and character. 

 

"It has been such a joy to see some of you recognize your potential and use your passions and talents to actually flourish as wonderful individuals. Our journey together has shaped us into exceptionally compassionate, resilient and mature young adults."

 

Lawson also recognized the influence and support the class received from family, staff and faculty the past four years. 

 

"I speak on behalf of every graduate here when I say that you are already appreciated," she said. "We cherish your investment in us and our success. None of us would be here today. If you did not have your support and encouragement for that we've been doing."

 

Kratz in his final comments told the students that they should learn how to disagree, a thought that had been sparked by a conversation about Star Wars. If they could disagree about Star Wars and still get along, surely people can over much less important things, he said. 

 

"I want to encourage you all to put some energy into figuring out how to disagree with others in an artful, meaningful, polite, respectful, because disagreements aren't a bad thing," he said. "Disagreements can be positive and they can lead to stronger convictions of what you believe, they can lead to understanding other people's side. ...

 

"You'll see disagreement running everywhere, disagreements that are uncivil. unkind, sometimes vicious. I urge you to set a different tone and a different path for ways that we disagree with each other."

 

Scholarships and Awards for the class of 2024

 

The graduates of McCann Technical School

 

ADVANCED MANUFACTURING

Ty Richard Barrett

Jeffrey Joseph Daignault

Emily lda Feder

Carter Terrance Graves

Julia Ann Kowalczyk

Jared Lescarbeau-Mason

Brian Lescarbeau-Mason

Madison Rose Rathbun

Katherine Richardson

Tristan Emory Scholl

 

 

ELECTRICITY

Kelson Angel Auger

Christopher Ryan Brockway

Henry John Daniels

Jonathan Jacob Durocher

Kaden Scott Gallagher

Carter David LaCasse

Gavin Todd LaFarest

Nikolai Efim Mendel

Ashton James Peck

Noah Michael Rozon

John Edward Trinder

Brady Edward Vallieres

Shane Steven Wade

Connor Mark Walden

Brian William Whitney