NORTH ADAMS — "It's not all about talent," Bill Belichick once said. "It's about dependability, consistency, and being able to improve. If you work hard and you're coachable, and you understand what you need to do, you can improve."

That was the quote that School Committee member Gary Rivers used to describe the proficiency and work ethic of McCann Technical School's top senior student, Landon LeClair. Not only did this senior have talent, committee members echoed, but he was also there when his community needed him and knew how to lead by example, this year tutoring a golf teammate back to proficiency in a math class after falling behind due to golf matches.

On Dec. 18, LeClair accepted the Massachusetts Association of School Superintendents Certificate of Academic Excellence, which honors exceptional seniors statewide, at a meeting of the Northern Berkshire Regional Vocational School Committee meeting.

LeClair is ranked first in his senior class, will attend Western New England University to study mechanical engineering, is currently an intern at Sinicon Plastics in Dalton and was part of the high school's golf team that recently competed in the State Tournament.

“From the jump, Landon has strived to be the best version of himself," said Principal Justin Kratz, who spoke at the meeting and said LeClair "personifies the very best of what can be accomplished as a McCann student."

"Landon is wise beyond his years," one teacher said. "He approaches his academic work with meticulous care, accuracy and strong sense of responsibility. He is personable and collaborative, forming positive relationships with peers and colleagues alike."

Kratz read feedback from LeClair's employers at Sinicon that said he showed "unique abilities" during his co-op time. His first quarter cooperative work rating at Sinicon was the best his teacher had ever seen.

The supervisor said that after "setting him loose" on a newer programmable track machine, LeClair picked it up right away and he is "already utilizing programming and features on the machine that our other operators were not able to."

Recently, LeClair was sent to help load and run parts in another machine shop. "The supervisor emailed [and] said he might not get Landon back," said Kratz.

LeClair was on the golf team all four years at McCann. The Hornets recently finished seventh in a 12-team field, but were the top-finishing squad out of the Western Massachusetts grouping. McCann's scoring foursome, including LeClair, shot a 60-over 348, one stroke off Tewskbury in sixth.

Kratz said that LeClair was newer to the game as a freshman, but was putting together rounds in the 30s by senior year, which golfers would know is "quite the accomplishment."

"That is the kind of dedication and commitment that he has shown to everything he has done here," Kratz said.

As for his grades, Kratz said there was not much to explain about LeClair's 4.43 grade-point average.

"I won't tell you his grades because there is only one letter to know," he said. "That's across the board, nothing but A-plus work his whole time here."

His extended family, and parents Eric and Susan, were there to watch him accept the award from Superintendent James Brosnan.

Landon LeClair, third from left, was this year's recipient of the Massachusetts Association of School Superintendents Certificate of Academic Excellence. His parents, Eric and Susan, left were there to watch LeClair accept the award on Dec. 18 from Superintendent James Brosnan, right.

"You lead by example," said Brosnan to LeClair. "That is one of the most critical factors that anybody can have, and at your age, to be able to lead by example is very important. Keep it up."

After accepting the award, LeClair thanked the committee but kept it short, saying he was not an "off-the-cuff kind of guy."

"It is an honor," LeClair said. "I just want to say thank you to everybody here, it has been a pleasure to be a part of your lives and for you to support me through this journey."