Burncoat High Duo Honored for Excellence in AP English

Worcester student and teacher earn prestigious award for standout achievement

Apr. 11, 2026 at 9:56am

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A brightly colored, high-contrast silkscreen print of an open book with the words 'AP English' repeated in a tight grid pattern, using flat, vibrant neon color palettes and heavy black outlines to transform an everyday academic object into modern pop art.A vibrant celebration of academic excellence in AP English, honoring the dedication of both students and teachers in Worcester.Fitchburg Today

A Burncoat High School senior and his AP English teacher are being celebrated in Worcester after earning the Dr. Lee Gurel Award for Excellence in Teaching and Learning Advanced Placement English. Their recognition, which includes $500 each, highlights strong English instruction in Worcester Public Schools and the impact of dedicated educators on students preparing for college and STEM careers.

Why it matters

The award recognizes exceptional performance in AP English, a rigorous college-level course that helps prepare students for success in higher education and future careers. By honoring both the student and teacher, the award underscores the collaborative effort required to foster academic excellence, especially in critical subjects like English that lay the foundation for further study.

The details

The Burncoat High School student and teacher were selected for the Dr. Lee Gurel Award, which celebrates outstanding achievement in AP English. The award includes a $500 prize for each recipient, highlighting their standout performance and the strength of Worcester's English curriculum and instruction.

  • The award was announced on April 11, 2026.

The players

Burncoat High School senior

A student at Burncoat High School who earned the Dr. Lee Gurel Award for Excellence in Teaching and Learning Advanced Placement English.

Burncoat High School AP English teacher

The AP English teacher at Burncoat High School who earned the Dr. Lee Gurel Award for Excellence in Teaching and Learning Advanced Placement English alongside their student.

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What they’re saying

“We must continue to invest in and celebrate excellence in English education, as it lays the foundation for student success in college and beyond.”

— Dr. Lee Gurel, Founder of the Excellence in Teaching and Learning Advanced Placement English Award

What’s next

The Burncoat High School student and teacher will be honored at a special ceremony in the coming weeks to celebrate their achievement.

The takeaway

This award highlights the importance of strong English instruction in preparing students for the rigors of college and future STEM careers. It also underscores the vital role that dedicated teachers play in fostering academic excellence among their students.