HUDSON — Senior Alessandra Burnett was named the school’s recipient of the Harvard Book Award in October, one of several honors recognizing her academic excellence, leadership and commitment to the community.
Burnett has earned multiple honors this year, including the Superintendent’s Award and the AP Scholar Award, which is given to students who score a 3 or higher on three or more Advanced Placement exams.
Recently, Burnett was recognized with the Superintendent’s Award at a ceremony March 25 at the College of the Holy Cross. She said the experience stood out not just for the honor, but for the connections she made.
“The ceremony was great,” Burnett said. “I sat at a table with award winners from other school districts. I loved talking to them and learning about their senior years, accomplishments and future plans. Everyone was so intelligent and charismatic, and I was so impressed by all the things they had done.”
Burnett said her success is rooted in a deep sense of care — not just for grades, but for a genuine love of learning. Earlier this past fall, The Big Red sat down with Burnett to discuss her recognition and what drives her academic approach.
The Harvard Book Award is presented annually to students who demonstrate excellence both inside and outside the classroom. Burnett said the award reflects her belief that academics are only one part of a full and meaningful high school experience.
“There’s pride in caring,” Burnett said. “I care about understanding what I’m learning and being able to apply it. I think apathy is something that’s really hurting students right now, because caring is empowering and it pays off. It’s not just academic excellence — it’s about passion and impact in many parts of your life, school, community and who you are as a person.”
Burnett was formally recognized at a breakfast ceremony at the Harvard Club of Boston with Principal Dr. Lauren Pupecki. She described the experience as both surprising and deeply validating, noting she learned she had received the award only about a week before the event.
“I didn’t even know this award existed,” she said. “Being able to say I was going to Harvard — that was kind of surreal.”
The 32nd annual ceremony featured a keynote address by Kathy Delaney-Smith, longtime Harvard women’s basketball coach, whose message about rejecting perfectionism resonated with Burnett.
“Her whole idea was that ‘perfect is boring,’” Burnett said. “It really stuck with me. You don’t have to be perfect in every aspect of your life to be doing enough.”
Burnett credited her parents, both educators, as her most influential mentors. Her mother teaches high school English, and her father, a former high school teacher, now teaches seventh-grade math.
“They made learning fun from the beginning,” Burnett said. “My mom was always helping me with grammar and spelling, and my dad would give me math problems instead of bedtime stories. I loved it.”
She said their encouragement to focus on effort rather than perfection continues to shape her approach to school.
“As long as I’m showing up and doing my best, they’re proud of me,” Burnett said. “Having that support has been life-changing.”
Looking ahead, Burnett said the award will serve as a reminder to continue working hard and staying true to herself.
“When I see the book award in my room, it’ll remind me of who I am and what I stand for,” she said. “To keep caring. To keep learning.”
She hopes her peers take away a similar message.
“Learn for yourself, not just for a grade,” Burnett said. “Knowledge opens doors, and loving to learn will take you far — not just in school, but in life.”
