Photo Caption: From left, Burncoat High School Assistant Principal Michaela Moylan-Faucher, Worcester Educational Development Foundation President Matt Wally, AP English teacher Lauren Delgado, senior Teddy Pearson, Principal Joe Ewick, and English Department Head Dawn Ashford stand for a photo following a surprise award announcement on April 2, 2026.
WORCESTER – Tuesday, April 7, 2026 – Burncoat High School senior Teddy Pearson and Advanced Placement (AP) English teacher Lauren Delgado have been recognized with the Dr. Lee Gurel Award for Excellence in Teaching and Learning Advanced Placement English by the Worcester Educational Development Foundation (WEDF).
Pearson and Delgado each received $500 as part of the award. Delgado may use the funds for educational materials or professional development, while Pearson may apply the award toward academic resources or future college expenses.
Pearson earned the highest possible score of five on his Advanced Placement English exam. Delgado was recognized for excellence in teaching the course.
“I am completely surprised and honestly shocked,” Ms. 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.”
“I am astounded,” Teddy said of the award. “I have known Delgado since freshman year and she has helped me so much over the years.”
Pearson credited Ms. Delgado’s strong communication with students, willingness to provide support, and ability to create engaging classroom activities as key factors in his 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.
Pearson will make his college decision soon, with his top choice being George Mason University. He plans to pursue a career in paleontology and sees connections between writing and his future work in STEM.
“Reports, applications, writing grants, all of them are just arguing for someone to give you money, arguing for someone to help you do what you want to do. I think learning how to argue, especially in AP English because it’s all arguments all of the time, will help a lot,” Pearson said.
Delgado has been an English teacher at Burncoat High School for ten years. Her course in AP English focuses on argument-based writing and persuasive techniques, helping students prepare for the AP English exam while making real-world connections.
This includes classroom activities such as a murder mystery exercise, where students learn to synthesize sources, and a March Madness-style competition featuring debate topics like favorite candies or best snack to practice persuasive skills.
“The honor was in teaching them, truly. This (award) is just icing on the cake and a huge surprise,” Ms. Delgado said.
The award was established by Worcester Public Schools alumnus Dr. Lee Gurel to honor his English teacher at Woodland Street Preparatory School, Miss Wilmot.
WEDF is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting Worcester Public Schools students, teachers, and schools. Through partnerships with donors, businesses, and community organizations, WEDF invests in programs that strengthen academic achievement, equity, and opportunity for every student.