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McCann Names Valedictorian, Salutatorian for Class of 2026

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NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — The top students for McCann Technical School's class of 2026 have been announced by Principal Justin Kratz.
 
Valedictorian Landon Plankey LeClair and salutatorian Ryleigh Holland will speak at graduation, held on Wednesday, May 27, in the Amsler Campus Center at Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts. 
 
LeClair, son of Eric and Susan LeClair of the town of Florida, was enrolled in the Advanced Manufacturing Technology Program. He achieved the highest academic standing in the graduating class, earning an impressive cumulative grade-point average of 4.44. During his time at McCann, he demonstrated dedication to academics through a course of study that included AP Calculus, AP English, and AP Physics. 
 
LeClair is a member of the National Honor Society, and SkillsUSA, recently placing first in the CNC 2-Axis Turning Programmer competitionat at the district level, qualifying him to advance to the state level. 
 
He is a recipient of the John and Abigail Adams Scholarship and completed a co-op placement at Sinicon Plastics in Pittsfield, where he gained hands-on experience in his field.
 
In the fall, LeClair plans to attend Western New England University in Springfield, where he will major in engineering.
 
Holland, daughter of Michael and Kelly Holland of Stamford, Vt.,  was enrolled in the Computer Assisted Design
Program and achieved the second highest academic standing in her graduating class, earning an impressive cumulative GPA of 4.42. 
 
During her time at McCann, she also demonstrated dedication to academics through a course of study that included AP Calculus, AP English, and AP Physics. She is a member of the National Honor Society, and SkillsUSA, recently placing second in Architectural Drafting at the district level competition, and a recipient of the John and Abigail Adams Scholarship.
 
During her spare time, Holland enjoys volunteering as a camp counselor and with the Math Club. She has also been an active member of the Ski Club and the girls' lacrosse team, demonstrating both leadership and dedication within her school community. She completed co-op placement at Hesnor Engineering Associates in Adams as a CAD technician.
 
In the fall, Holland plans to attend Syracuse (N.Y.) University, where she will major in architecture.
 
McCann Technical School congratulates LeClair and Holland on their outstanding achievements and wishes
them continued success in their future endeavors.

Tags: graduation 2026,   McCann,   val & sal,   

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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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