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The Business Technology students from the McCann BPA chapter who attended the conference were: Caleb Denette, senior; Abigail Anderson, junior; Ella Gaffey, junior; Kylee Hubby, junior; Kamilia Kondel, junior; and Danielle King, sophomore.
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Abigail Anderson and Ella Gaffey placed 1st and 2nd in Interviewing Skills.

McCann Students Excel at National Business Professionals of America Conference

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NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — McCann Students returned from another successful  Business Professionals of America (BPA) National Leadership Conference (NLC) held in Orlando, Florida, May 7-11.
 
Business Professionals of America is the nation's leading CTSO (Career and Technical Student Organization) for students pursuing careers in business management, information technology, finance, accounting, office administration, and other business-related career fields, according to a press release. 
 
The conference brought together approximately six thousand members from 1,800 chapters across 25 states and Puerto Rico, as well as an international presence in China, Haiti and Peru to compete and attend leadership and professional development workshops.
 
The Business Technology students from the McCann BPA chapter who attended the conference were: Caleb Denette, senior; Abigail Anderson, junior; Ella Gaffey, junior; Kylee Hubby, junior; Kamilia Kondel, junior; and Danielle King, sophomore.
 
Abigail Anderson and Ella Gaffey placed 1st and 2nd in Interviewing Skills and Kamila Kondel placed 7th in Fundamental Spreadsheets.  
 
Other events McCann students competed in were Advanced Spreadsheets, Legal Office Procedures, and the school had two Administrative Support Teams qualify for nationals.
 
"I was so shocked and nervous and happy all at once," said Abigail Anderson of placing first on the national stage, "All the preparation and hard work paid off."
 
Massachusetts chapters represented the state well at the conference.  Four individual teams won first place in their respective events while an additional 10 teams/individuals placed 2nd and 3rd.  Overall, Massachusetts had a representation on the national stage 56 times. 
 
In addition to competitive events, Andrea (Leal) Sutherland, Massachusetts BPA State Office Coordinator (and McCann Business Technology alum) became a National Hall of Fame Honoree for her continuous commitment to BPA and local advisors Rebecca Buck and Regina Dastoli-Fierro were honored for 20 years of service with the organization.  

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North Adams Council Recognizes Special Olympian, OKs Account Transfers

By Tammy DanielsiBerkshires Staff

Jenna Thomas has participated in the Special Olympics for more than 20 years, earning numerous medals. 
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Special Olympian Jenna Thomas was recognized at City Council on Tuesday for her medal-winning performance at the 2026 games last month in Minnesota.
 
"I think it's so appropriate as I'm about to proclaim Disabilities Pride Month that we recognize and honor Jenna," said Mayor Jennifer Macksey, who had Thomas join her at the podium."
 
Thomas was one of nearly 3,000 athletes who participated in the 2026 Special Olympics, which brought nearly 3,000 athletes from across the country to celebrate the talents, determinations, and achievements of individuals with intellectual disabilities. She won bronze as a member of the Berkshire County Arc Titans bowling team, a fourth in doubles with teammate Katherine Meunier and placed in the top 10 for singles nationally.
 
She's been participating in Special Olympics since her teenage years, competing in cross country skiing, track and field since 2009. Thomas switched to bowling in 2019 and has won gold; she was recognized by the mayor in 2023 for her athletic accomplishments representing Massachusetts and North Adams. 
 
"Look at how beautiful that is — a bronze medal in bowling and placed fourth in the doubles competition, demonstrating her dedication, perseverance, and sportsmanship on the national stage," said the mayor. "She also got to meet the governor's partner, Joanna [Lydgate], who we went out with for ice cream. ...
 
"In returning home, she credited her participation to the friendships she's made and the joy of competing ... her accomplishments are a source of pride for the city of North Adams and should serve as an inspiration for the entire community."
 
The mayor also presented $730,741.06 in end-of-year transfers. These transfers are made from accounts with excess funds to accounts that have gone over. Every line with the exception of snow and ice must be balanced for the end of the year.
 
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