image description — The McCann Technical School postsecondary program graduates 21 students Monday night.

McCann Postsecondary Graduates 'Battle Tested'

By Jack GuerinoiBerkshires Staff
05:11AM / Tuesday, June 04, 2024Print Story | Email Story

Superintendent James Brosnan tells the graduates to acknowledge those who helped them along the way. See more photos here.

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — The McCann Postsecondary program graduated 21 students Monday night.

School Committee Chairman Gary Rivers addressed the graduates and told them they have already proven themselves.

"You are battle-tested and battle-approved. You have stayed the course and successfully navigated the twists and turns that you have faced this year," he said. "It doesn't surprise me in the least that you are probably all sitting here this evening with a job ready to go as soon as you leave McCann."

He told the graduates to value their life experiences.

"Remember experience is knowledge but knowledge is not experience, and I know you all have life experiences that will make you successful in your work or whatever path you follow," he concluded.

Superintendent James Brosnan welcomed the graduates and their families in his address and asked the graduates to acknowledge those who have helped them along the way.

"The class of 2024, it is my honor to welcome you," he said. " …We are here to celebrate the class of 2024, and the hard work, and also the family and friends who supported you."

He asked the graduates to give a round of applause to friends and family in attendance.

Surgical Technology Graduates

Tessa Claire Zoito, North Adams: Associates in Surgical Technology

Dental Assisting Graduates

Ashley Marie Massey, Adams

Liliana Eve Pisano, North Adams

Blake Eric Smith, Lanesborough

Hayden E Therrien, North Adams

Katelyn Noelle Wojtaszek, Adams

Medical Assisting Graduates

Laura Beth Corsi, North Adams

Cameron Violet Lutz, North Adams

April Marie Ureste, Pittsfield

Cosmetology Graduates

Alyssa Nicole Baisley, Pittsfield

Michaela Jade Berry, Pittsfield

Malina Joy Foss, Pittsfield

Brianna Rose Goodrich, Pittsfield

Kaitlyn Hillebrand, Pittsfield

Maddison Houghtaling, North Adams

Emma Lynne Lear, North Adams

Jordan Elizabeth McDonald, North Adams

Tessa Neveah Thibert, Clarksburg

Jess Wiles, Adams

Ashlyn Wood, Dalton (absent from ceremony)

Nayeli Castaneda, Pittsfield

Skills USA Awards

State Competition, Dental Assisting

Gold: Blake Smith - Attending National Compition in Atlanta in June

Silver: Ashley Massey

Tags: graduation 2024, McCann, postsecondary,

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Clarksburg Students Write in Support of Rural School Aid

By Tammy DanielsiBerkshires Staff
07:25AM / Sunday, March 15, 2026

Mason Langenback calculated that Clarksburg would get almost $1 million if the $60 million was allocated equally.

CLARKSBURG, Mass. — Eighth-graders at Clarksburg School took a lesson in civic advocacy this week, researching school funding and writing letters to Beacon Hill that call for fully funding rural school aid.

The students focused on the hardships for small rural schools and their importance to the community — that they struggle with limited funding and teacher shortages, but offer safe and supportive spaces for learning and are a hub for community connections.

"They all address the main issue, the funding for rural schools, and how there's a gap, and there's the $4 million gap this year, and then it's about the $40 million next year, and that rural schools need that equitable funding," said social studies teacher Mark Karhan.

A rural schools report in 2022 found smaller school districts cost from nearly 17 percent to 23 percent more to operate, and recommended "at least" $60 million be appropriated annually for rural school aid.

Gov. Maura Healey has filed for more Chapter 70 school aid, but that often is little help to small rural schools with declining or static enrollment. For fiscal 2027, she's budgeted $20 million for rural schools, up from around $13 million this year but still far below the hoped for $60 million.

Karhan said the class was broken into four groups and the students were provided a submission letter from Rural Schools Advocacy. The students used the first paragraph, which laid out the funding facts, and then did research and wrote their own letters.

They will submit those with a school picture to the governor.

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