A host of Brunswick seniors were honored with distinguished awards at a ceremony in Dann Gymnasium on Monday, May 18.

Assistant Head of School Doug Burdett, who is retiring this spring after 36 years at Brunswick, served as the keynote speaker, addressing Upper School students, faculty, parents, and guests with a heartfelt and humorous reflection on friendship, memory, and the importance of genuine human connection.

Burdett, who arrived in 1990 as a Middle School English teacher before directing the College Placement Office and rising up the administrative ladder, reflected on the countless moments and relationships that have defined his career on Maher Avenue and King Street. Known throughout campus for his wit, warmth, and ability to connect with students, Burdett centered his remarks on the stories and friendships that make the Brunswick experience meaningful.

He began by recalling a recent discussion with his sophomore English class about phone usage and social media addiction after learning that China was considering a two-hour daily screen-time restriction for teenagers. To his surprise, many students embraced the idea.

“They considered the idea, and slowly at first, but then with growing momentum, agreed as one group that they would in fact see it as a welcome moment to be rid of the phone and the social addictions that go with it,” Burdett said.

He used that conversation as a launching point to encourage seniors to prioritize relationships and shared experiences as they move into the next chapter of their lives.

“My message is so simple,” Burdett said. “In your brave new world of Artificial Intelligence and social media, put it all down and get out and socialize.”

Throughout the speech, Burdett reflected on memorable moments from the Class of 2026’s time at Brunswick — from athletic accomplishments and performances on stage to Senior Voices, assemblies, and simple, everyday interactions shared between classmates and teachers. He also reflected on the deeper relationships that have defined his decades at the school, noting that his perspective on Brunswick since 1990 “has almost nothing to do with technology,” but rather friendships with colleagues and unforgettable moments with students, teams, and classes over the years.

“Simply being together, establishing relationships through so many Brunswick moments, has built your class’s personal, constantly evolving story,” he said.

Burdett then took time near the conclusion of his speech to thank Head of School Tom Philip for his leadership, friendship, and unwavering commitment to the Brunswick community. He described Philip as the person faculty members turn to with their toughest questions. And he praised Philip’s ability to quietly guide students, teachers, parents, and colleagues through both challenges and celebrations with wisdom, steadiness, and humility.

“The experiences you have helped us build together will remain with us all long into the future,” Burdett said, addressing the longtime leader of Brunswick.

The heartfelt tribute to Philip — along with Burdett’s reflections on his own 36 years at the school — prompted a rousing and enthusiastic standing ovation from the audience at the conclusion of the speech.

Burdett closed by encouraging seniors to continue building meaningful friendships and memories long after graduation.

“The Class of ’26 leaves us with stories that will last,” he said. “Please get off your phones, continue to build tales, and pay attention to the engagement that such disengagement offers.”
 

*Cum Laude members joined earlier inductees and classmates Pierce Crosby, Jake Greene, Justin Guo, George Kapp, Max Lanson, Nathan Lee, Nicholas Stern, Charles Sulkowski, and Jack Whitney-Epstein.