The graduates were cheered as they received their diplomas and pins. See more photos here.
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — McCann Technical School awarded diplomas and pins to 23 graduates of the cosmetology, dental assisting, medical assisting and surgical technology programs on Monday night.
The gymnasium at the school was filled with family members cheering the graduates. Superintendent James Brosnan noted that it was an opportunity to celebrate not just for the students completing their postsecondary programs but also for the families.
"You can celebrate their success, your success, because without you they wouldn't be here tonight," he said.
School Committee Chair Gary Rivers offered them three key things to remember: "Be flexible. Be flexible. Be flexible."
"The academic content in clinical experiences are extremely demanding. The material is technically demanding," he said. "Unlike anything you have studied in the past, your clinicals have given you practical application of your skills and the preview of the day-to-day life of a medical assistant, a cosmetologist, a dental assistant, a surgical tech ...
"You know what it takes to get the job done and you are willing to do it. Remember, the only thing constant is change. Your generation is expected to change careers at least four times. Job security is a thing of the past. ... Always get the education and the skills you need to change."
Assistant Principal Keith Daigneault recognized three graduates who won medals in SkillsUSA competitions: Kaliegh Eichstedt won state level gold in cosmetology and Sierra Beckman and Blake Smith, who both won gold in dental assisting. Kelly Sadlow and Ashley Massey took silver in dental assisting.
Eichstedt, Beckman and Blake will be competing in the national competition in Atlanta this month.
With that, Principal Justin Kratz called up the graduates as program coordinators joined Brosnan and Rivers to "pin" them and wish them success, after which the gathering made its way onto the lawn for pictures, and flowers and balloons.
Two cosmetology graduates were ready to embark on their new careers.
Cindy Slade of Dalton said she loved the course and was following in the footsteps of her mother, a hairdresser.
"Everyone was super sweet, and the teacher awesome," she said adding she's already working at Oasis Hair Design & Day Spa in Pittsfield and will be working at Loft 48 Salon in Lenox.
Gwendolyn Payne of Great Barrington also has a job lined up.
"It's always something I've been interested in," she said. "I've wanted to do it since middle school, so just decided to pursue that."
Makenna Kubli of Pittsfield had a personal reason for pursuing a careering dental assisting.
"I've always had an interest in it because I had a big gap in my teeth, and I needed orthodontic work when I was younger, and after the work, I felt really confident in myself, and I've always wanted to do that and help other people and make them feel confident," she said. "I reached out to McCann, and they brought me in touch with the instructor, Michelle [Racette, program coordinator], and she really helped me. And now I have a job."
She's working at Western Mass Periodontics' Pittsfield office and greatly enjoyed taking the program.
"It worked out well," she said. "I really enjoyed it I would really recommend it."
Cosmetology Graduates
Adams: Lauren Elizabeth Faucher, Aleecia Glory Richard, Jess Wiles
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Berkshire County Homes Celebrating Holiday Cheer
By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff
There's holiday cheer throughout the Berkshires this winter.
Many homeowners are showing their holiday spirit by decorating their houses. We asked for submissions so those in the community can check out these fanciful lights and decor when they're out.
We asked the homeowners questions on their decorations and why they like to light up their houses.
In Great Barrington, Matt Pevzner has decorated his house with many lights and even has a Facebook page dedicated to making sure others can see the holiday joy.
Located at 93 Brush Hill Road, there's more than 61,000 lights strewn across the yard decorating trees and reindeer and even a polar bear.
The Pevzner family started decorating in September by testing their hundreds of boxes of lights. He builds all of his own decorations like the star 10-foot star that shines done from 80-feet up, 10 10-foot trees, nine 5-foot trees, and even the sleigh, and more that he also uses a lift to make sure are perfect each year.
"I always decorated but I went big during COVID. I felt that people needed something positive and to bring joy and happiness to everyone," he wrote. "I strive to bring as much joy and happiness as I can during the holidays. I love it when I get a message about how much people enjoy it. I've received cards thanking me how much they enjoyed it and made them smile. That means a lot."
Pevzner starts thinking about next year's display immediately after they take it down after New Year's. He gets his ideas by asking on his Facebook page for people's favorite decorations. The Pevzner family encourages you to take a drive and see their decorations, which are lighted every night from 5 to 10.
In North Adams, the Wilson family decorates their house with fun inflatables and even a big Santa waving to those who pass by.
The Wilsons start decorating before Thanksgiving and started decorating once their daughter was born and have grown their decorations each year as she has grown. They love to decorate as they used to drive around to look at decorations when they were younger and hope to spread the same joy.
"I have always loved driving around looking at Christmas lights and decorations. It's incredible what people can achieve these days with their displays," they wrote.
The Wilsons' invite you to come and look at their display at 432 Church St. that's lit from 4:30 to 10:30 every night, though if it's really windy, the inflatables might not be up as the weather will be too harsh.
In Pittsfield, Travis and Shannon Dozier decorated their house for the first time this Christmas as they recently purchased their home on Faucett Lane. The two started decorating in November, and hope to bring joy to the community.
"If we put a smile on one child's face driving by, then our mission was accomplished," they said.
Many homeowners are showing their holiday spirit by decorating their houses. We asked for submissions so those in the community can check out these fanciful lights and decor when they're out.
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