Valedictorian Camryn Moran told her classmates to take a deep breath and let the moment sink. See more photos here.
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — McCann Technical School launched 132 graduates into the world on Wednesday to the accompaniment of cheers and raucous cowbells.
The class of 2025, had achieved a "significant educational milestone in graduating from what I consider the flagship school of technical education in the commonwealth," said School Committee Chairman Gary Rivers. "We may be one of the smallest technical schools in the state, but our mission is powerful — to graduate technically skilled, academically prepared and socially responsible individuals ready to meet the challenges of the 21st century. ...
"As you move forward in the next chapter of your lives, I encourage you to continue to pursue your dreams, goals and passions, embrace every opportunity that comes your way, and never stop learning, growing and evolving."
Those achievements wouldn't be possible without the support of the school community and family members — a running theme the speakers touched on and made evident by the crowded seats filled with families in the steamy Amsler Campus Center gym at Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts.
"We all have our own book of life that has not yet been written, and every day that passes is another page we write in ourselves. But tonight, I don't want you all to think about the past or the future. I want you all to focus on this moment," said valedictorian Camryn Moran. "This is our time to soak it all on, and as we do, I hope each and every one of you will take a moment to thank someone who has helped you reach this milestone tonight ...
"It doesn't matter who it is or what they did for you, All that I ask is that you thank at least one person for helping you get here tonight."
The assembly began with the traditional processional and a rendition of "The Star-Spangled Banner" by graduate Tristan Cormier, accompanied on the guitar by his well-known musician father, Randy Cormier. Superintendent James Brosnan and Rivers presented the diplomas and ceremony was capped off with a slideshow of pictures of the graduates and the activies and courses they took.
"We've all gained and lost relationships, allowed ourselves to try new things, play sports and pursue opportunities that we will remember for a lifetime," salutatorian Paige Rochelo. "We've all faced challenges, and it wasn't always easy to get out every day, especially with senior ranks, But we persevered through the years, allowing ourselves to grow and flourish into the people we are today. And we didn't do it alone.
"We owe so much success to the people who surround us tonight, our friends, family and faculty who have guided us through the winding river of high school. I'm talking about those people who are sweating in those bleachers, anxiously waiting to scream your name as walk across the stage to get your phone. I know without the support from my loved ones, I would not be here in front of you right now."
Principal Justin Kratz said he was going to run with what the class speakers had said, adding "I was very, very impressed with and kind of blew me away with this idea of making sure that we thank some one. ...I think it speaks well for our future generations that they emphasize the thankfulness and appreciation in their speeches."
Both Rivers and Kratz took moments to have the graduates applaud family members and faculty and staff for their efforts.
Kratz also pulled out an item that got a lot of boos and yells from the graduates — a Yondr pouch that was used to lock up their phones during the day. The principal pointed out that putting away the phones had made them a closer class.
"Prior to these pouches, our cafeteria at lunchtime was virtually silent. The kids were all in their phones, since we've instituted these the cafeteria's become a very loud place. The talking is back. The socialization is back," he said, noting that the Senior Sunrise Celebration had the largest number of participants in years.
"I want you to think about one of the best ways that you can show the people that you care about your appreciation, the dearest people in your life, is to put the phone away. Put it away. You've got the training. You have gone 6 1/2 hours, seven hours a day without looking at a cell phone. You can do that now. You've been trained."
Kratz also thanked the college for the use of the gym and recognized retiring faculty and staff, especially his "right hand," Administrative Assistant Cynthia Bishop Tinney.
And with that, the class was ready to end to their high school career and step into the future.
"So to the class of 2025 take a deep breath, look around and let this moment sink in," said Moran. "No matter where life takes you from here, just remember this is just the beginning of a whole new chapter. I now invite our fellow graduates to move our tassels from the right to the left to represent your new beginning."
Kaley Irene Bachand
Lucas Michael Banister
Michael Brian Barnes
Lillian Bean
Joseph Dylan Bedard
Kaden Lee Bills
Alexandria Marie Bowman
Alexander Scott Boyer
Patrick John Bressette Jr.
Aiden Christopher Briggs
Hunter Matthew Brown
Aidan James Cahoon
Ryan Thomas Carpenter
Jayden Ianeni Cellana
Jameson Daniel Ciempa
Tristan Aden Cormier
Gracie Amber
Alice Coury
Ace Edward Coviello
Brent Adam Damone
Evan Daniel Davis
Christian Ryan Dean
Cellie Ann-Marie Decker
Caleb Vincent Denette
Victor Ethan Denette
Hayden Joseph Digennaro
Isabella Ceceilia Dodge
Jack Michael Dolan
Flyntt Alexander Doust
Aleathia Mae Dozier
Logan Joseph Driscoll
Zoe Prevey Dupee
Christopher Daniel Dupre-Harris Dillon Christopher Dzbenski
Antonio Michael Elias
Jason Christopher Ferrara
Evan Michael Fortini
Sofia Alexandra Francesconi Mackenzie Marie Gazaille
Shaun Richard Gazaille-Adams Zachary Christopher Gelinas
Kaleb Joshua Gordon
Jadyn Renee Greenbush
Karlie Rae Gregoire
Bryanna Amber Hallock
Parker Davis
Alan Hart Brodie
Brodie Patrick Hayden
Evan James Hilton
Tobey Sebastian Hopkins
Trace Alban Hopkins
Trinity Madison Houle
Jack Owen Hughs
Grace Elizabeth Hunt
Camerin Allen Johnson
Connor Anthony Klein
Alexander Richard Kowalczyk Nathan Robert Kondel
Emily Gail Kraus-Bayly
Connor James Laliberte
Cody Lucas Lamke
Griffen David Lancia
Makenna Jamelle Lancia
Brockton James Lasher
Eve Laston LeBarron
Aolani Nevaeh Luczynski
Nathan Thomas Luczynski
Lucas Daniel Maloney
Dakota Grace Marko
Cole William Maxwell
Alexander James McDermott
Noah Michael McGrath
Samuel Wayne Mcgrath
Devin Gerald-Gregory Mcguire Hailei Dea McLain
Caleb McLenithan
Johnathan Mykal Mejias
Jadyn Alma Denise Melito
Kolby James Modena
Meghan Alexis Mongeon
Hector Joel Montoya-Alvarado Camryn Grace Moran
Carson David Morin
Matthew Morris
Nora Emily Moser
Connor Christopher Nielsen Nicholas David Odell
Jayden Dakota Page
Ryan Charles Patenaude
Jake William Peckham
Benjamin Thomas Pierce
Kevin Alan Poette
Connor William Poirot
Kassandra Richard Politis
Braedan Patrick Pringle
Ryan Matthew Puntin
Emily Elizabeth Raschdorf
David John Raymond
Sophie Rose Reid
Brooke Reynolds
Koby Daniel Reynolds
Tanner Michael Reynolds
Brody James Rhinemiller
Thomas Edward Richardson
Jaivin Michael Rivera
Liam Thomas Roberts
Paige Elizabeth Rochelo
Devin Louis Rougeau
Eric Michael Rougeau
Lukas Torsten Rylander
Brady Kenneth Sagendorph
Julian Alice Sawyer
Anthony Xavier Skorupski
Arthur Evan Smith
Lily Grace Speed
John Anthony Stack
Brayleigh Elisabeth-Catherine Stanley
Ava Kathleen Stefanik
Daniel Joseph Tatro
Evan Lee Tatro
Kalynn Marie Thayer
Musa Habib Thompson Jr.
Talan Caleb Thompson
Amaya Hope Todd
Joshua Henry Touponce
Jackson John Trombley
Dylan Michael Turner
Amber Suzanne Turoczy
Isabelle Stefania Valachovic
Sadie Kathleen Walden
Aubrey Brianna Wells
Talan Jeffrey Wilkinson
Haley Elizabeth Wood
Leah Grae Young
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Boutique General Store Opens on Holden Street in North Adams
By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — A newly opened boutique general store on Holden Street offers local and regional products along with a curated selection of gifts, wines and artwork.
"It's just a lot of my favorite makers and small brands that I've, in my mind, collected over the years because I've wanted to do this for I don't even know since forever," owner Hannah Blazejewski said. "I'm trying to keep as much of the product at least local to New England as I can."
The name for the Diving Horse at 26 Holden St. was inspired by one of her favorite movies, "Wild Hearts Can't Be Broken," the story of a girl who joins a diving horse stunt show during the Depression.
Blazejewski found the current space earlier this year before moving back to the county in March. It was formerly North Adams Yoga, so when she moved in she repainted the place and also worked with Outlook Builders to build the shelving and her dream "mousehole" wall.
The store showcases local goods from throughout New England, and she described it as a general store and gift boutique built around a personal collection of favorite makers, small brands, and hard-to-find products.
Her shop also includes children's items, artwork, stickers, home decor, cheeses, non-perishable items, wines and a selection of Scandinavian candy.
She said she hopes to contribute to the local economy, connect with other businesses and artists, and respect the city's history and culture.
A newly opened boutique general store on Holden Street offers local and regional products along with a curated selection of gifts, wines and artwork. click for more
In addition to the contests between candidates and the battle for control among political parties, Massachusetts voters will also be deciding on nine ballot questions in November, the highest number since 1994.
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The state Department of Conservation and Recreation is planning to purchase a total of 250 abutting acres in Clarksburg and the town of Florida. The purchase was on the Florida Select Board's agenda on Wednesday night.
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Local officials, schools, and community organizations unite to offer a free Halloween walkthrough featuring local lore, concessions, and family fun. click for more
