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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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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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