DRURY HIGH SCHOOL VALEDICTORIAN AWARDED CERTIFICATE OF ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE FROM MASSACHUSETTS ASSOCIATION OF SCHOOL SUPERINTENDENTS
NORTH ADAMS – Drury High School student Brayden Canales, who will graduate as valedictorian of the Class of 2026, was presented with the Massachusetts Association of School Superintendents Certificate of Academic Excellence at a meeting of the North Adams School Committee on Tuesday evening, April 7th, 2026. This annual award honors high school seniors across the Commonwealth who have demonstrated distinguished academic performance and significant personal contributions to their school communities.
Brayden will graduate from Drury with an overall grade point average of 4.3 and has taken advantage of the opportunity to take Early College courses through MCLA, finishing high school with 33 college credits. In addition to his impressive list of college courses, he has rounded out his transcript with several Advanced Placement and project-based learning courses. Brayden has been inducted into both the Nu Sigma and Pro Merito Honor Societies, has been awarded a Principal’s Award for having a top 5 average in his class for four consecutive years, and received the RIT Award for Science and Math as a junior.
Outside of the classroom, Brayden continues to go above and beyond. He is a valuable member of the varsity soccer, hockey, and baseball teams, and this year was awarded the Berkshire County Ice Hockey Officials Association Sportsmanship Award for his leadership. In addition to sports, Brayden is a Student Ambassador, a peer mediator, has participated in Cultural Appreciation Day through the local court system, as well as Drury’s Berkshire Portrait of a Graduate work in various ways. After graduation, Brayden plans to attend a four-year college, major in architecture, and pursue a career in that field.
“I had the great fortune to be principal of Drury High School when Brayden was in 7th and 8th grade, and I saw his positive impact on the school even back then,” said Superintendent Timothy Callahan. “Since that time, I’ve watched him become a leader in the school and in the community, and his combination of intelligence, kindness, and compassion will serve him well as he goes off to college and beyond.”
Reflecting on his time at Drury, Brayden shared, “During my time at Drury, I’ve created countless cherished memories. Spending time with my friends in the classroom and participating in sports has been incredibly rewarding. Overall, I’ve had an amazing time at Drury, and I’m grateful for the teachers and classmates who’ve had a profound impact on my life.”
About Massachusetts Association of School Superintendents: The Massachusetts Association of School Superintendents (M.A.S.S.) originated in 1973 and is the only statewide organization in Massachusetts dedicated to the unique professional and advocacy concerns of School Superintendents and Assistant Superintendents.
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