Worcester High School Student, Teacher Awarded For Excellence In English

WORCESTER, MA — A high school senior and teacher in Worcester has earned an award for excellence in English.

Burncoat High School senior Teddy Pearson and Advanced Placement English teacher Lauren Delgado have been recognized with the Dr. Lee Gurel Award for Excellence in Teaching and Learning Advanced Placement English, the school district announced. The pair each received $500 as part of the award.

Pearson can apply his award toward academic resources or future college expenses, while Delgado can use the money for educational materials or professional development, the school district said.

The award came after Pearson earned the highest possible score of five on his Advanced Placement English exam, and Delgado was recognized for excellence in teaching the course.

“I am completely surprised and honestly shocked,” Delgado said. “AP (English) is one of my favorite classes to teach, and last year was such a special group of students that I got to work closely with and see grow.”

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Delgado has been an English teacher at Burncoat High School for ten years. Her AP course focuses on argument-based writing and persuasive techniques, WPS said.

Pearson also said he was shocked, adding that Delgado is always willing to help students and to create engaging classroom activities to support their success.

“If a kid needs support she will immediately go and support, she teaches a lot to the whole class, but also gives leadership opportunities to help us develop our skills in a way that will help us through the exam, but is also fun,” Pearson said.

The senior will make his college decision soon, with his first choice being George Mason University in Virginia. He plans to pursue a career in paleontology and sees connections between writing and his future STEM work.

The award was established by Worcester Public Schools alumnus Dr. Lee Gurel to honor his English teacher at Woodland Street Preparatory School, Miss Wilmot.

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