“I’d like to applaud all of you and invite all of us to recognize one another, for recognition of any kind is never individual,” said Mr. Chris Burchfield, the L. Blair Torrey Jr. ’50 Chair and instructor in English, at the beginning of his speech at the 2024 Lufkin Prize Ceremony on Tuesday, May 7.
Every year, a faculty member is awarded the Lufkin Prize, the school’s highest honor for teachers. Established by Mr. Dan Lufkin ’49, P’80, ’82, ’88, ’23, the prize recognizes character and moral leadership in addition to excellence in teaching, advising, coaching, and overall service to the school.
Recipients from the past years include Ms. Carita Gardiner, instructor in English, Mr. Charlie Frankenbach, instructor in English, Ms. Sarinda Wilson, instructor in French, Ms. Ana Hermoso, instructor in Spanish, Dr. Richard “DK” Kirby, instructor in chemistry, and Mr. Keith Moon, instructor in English and history.
After working at Salisbury School, Mr. Burchfield joined the school in 1991 as an assistant director of college counseling and instructor in English. Outside of the classroom, Mr. Burchfield has coached all levels of Boys Hockey and Boys JV Lacrosse for 25 years. He said, “I enjoy coaching so much. Coaching and teaching aren’t dissimilar: coaches are teachers and teachers are coaches. What you do with your team is just an extension of what goes on in the classroom.” This year, Mr. Burchfield is teaching Prep Global Literature, Upper Mid English, and a Senior elective entitled, “Nature.”
The community gathered in Elfers Hall on Tuesday morning for the prize ceremony. Mr. Craig Bradley, head of school, opened the ceremony by thanking Mr. Lufkin and highlighting the importance of the prize.
Mr. Frankenbach, dean of faculty, followed by reading aloud students’ reflections on Mr. Burchfield.
One student said, “We can all strive to follow his unwavering example of finding deep value in the little things and caring for one another and this place.”
Mr. Burchfield expressed gratitude for his family, former and current colleagues, and students.
He said, “What it boils down to is just how much fun it is to work here and how plain-old lucky I feel to be surrounded by funny, compassionate, smart, and willing young people day after day. That is all of you. The joy comes from the bright future that you all exude, the enthusiasm with which you all pursue your passions, and the chance to tap into your lively, loud, and wonderful adolescence.”
Mr. Burchfield ended his speech by highlighting the theme of unity. He called all-school presidents Anji Asahye ’24 and Jacques Pierre ’24 up to the stage to lead the community in a “Big Blue on Two” chant to conclude the celebratory morning.
