NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — William Kipp had just entered his freshman year at McCann Technical School when he sent the principal and superintendent an email, introducing himself, outlining his plan for after graduation, and asking for their help to prepare him.

 

"We knew right from the get-go that this was a student with ambition, with drive, with focus, and he's coming in with a game plan. We don't get many emails like that or any emails like that from freshmen. That was a good way to set the tone. We knew we had someone special on our hands," Principal Justin Kratz said. 

 

"Sure enough, his performance over the next four years backed up the game he was talking."

 

Four years later, on Thursday night, Kipp was presented with the Superintendent's Award, an award that is given to only one student each year. 

 

"It is recognition that you've been selected by that leadership as the No. 1 student," Superintendent James Brosnan said.

 

Kipp not only ranks No. 1 in his class but was characterized as "personable, polite, dedicated, and a leader." The Hancock student is class president. He is the captain of the October Mountain Sharpshooter Olympic team. He's an emergency medical technician. He's a volunteer firefighter. He is wilderness first aid certified. He is one of just two students in the machine technology program to have both Level 1 and Level 2 Manufacturing Advancement Center Workforce Innovation Collaborative certifications. He works with Marland Mold. He is a SkillsUSA chapter officer.

 

And when former School Committee member James R. Gazzaniga asked if he could cook, "because you do everything else," Kipp said he can.

 

"His accomplishments here at McCann are beyond impressive. He's done an excellent job and in addition to that he is a very polite and respected young man. The student body respects him. The faculty respects him," Kratz said.

 

Later adding, "he constantly challenges himself and is always looking to increase his knowledge of any subject matter."

 

Kipp, however, said his accomplishments wouldn't be possible without the support from his family and the staff at McCann. In front of the School Committee on Thursday, he thanked the entire staff from the administration, to the School Committee, to the teachers in the classroom.

 

"I wouldn't be here without the support of my parents. I was homeschooled so my mom was my teacher and it helped kick off my educational track. I learned to be a self-learner and that was what helped me here," Kipp said. "All of the teachers here, the faculty, and the administration are all very very helpful in helping me achieve my goals."

 

Kipp's family is no stranger to the school. His mother Wendy recently graduated the school's licensed practical nursing post-graduate program. 

 

Next year, Kipp will be off to either Williams College or Worcester Polytechnic Institute. In his future, he plans on going into the medical field. 

 

"It is going to be interesting to follow your progress," Gazzaniga said. " Enjoy this night and enjoy all of the challenges that await you. It's going to be a roller coaster ... You'll be a blessing to the medical profession."

 

And when he does, he'll likely have the same lucky pencil he carried with him throughout his entire high school career — the one he says helps him ace all of the tests.