Burt Wood School honored for 30 years of dedication to the arts

MIDDLEBORO — Lorna Brunelle once again played to a packed house — this time, not on stage, but in Town Hall — as the community marked the 30th anniversary of the Burt Wood School of Performing Arts.

Brunelle, the school’s founder and director, was honored Monday, Aug. 4, during a recognition ceremony at Town Hall. She received official citations from the Middleboro Select Board, the Massachusetts House of Representatives, the state Senate and Gov. Maura Healey.

Since its founding in 1995, the Burt Wood School has served as a cultural arts center, offering training and performance opportunities in live and on-camera productions for students of all ages. The Alley Theatre, operated under The Burt Wood School of Performing Arts LLC, has hosted numerous student performances over the years.

The Select Board room was filled to capacity with Brunelle’s family, friends, sponsors, and current and former students.

“The Town of Middleborough proudly honors Lorna Brunelle and the Burt Wood School of Performing Arts for 30 incredible years of dedication, creativity and community impact,” said Select Board Chair Mark Germain. “Through her unwavering commitment to students in the arts, Lorna has transformed lives and lit up our town with joy, talent and heart.”

State Rep. Norman Orrall followed, offering his congratulations — and a suggestion to follow Brunelle’s “heartwarming and inspiring” Facebook page.

“1995 doesn’t seem like 30 years ago, does it?” Orrall said. “But it’s 30 years of making downtown Middleboro a destination.”

“You’re an inspiration. In so many ways you make a difference — that’s why this room is full of people,” he added.

State Sen. Kelly Dooner also spoke, presenting an official citation from the Senate to join those from the House and Select Board.

Select Board member Thomas White concluded the official presentations with a citation from Healey’s office and personal reflections on his time onstage at the Alley Theatre.

“You put your faith in me and put me on stage many times,” White said. “You’ve given selflessly of yourself and your theater, donating to numerous charity projects without ever asking for anything in return.

“I love you, Lorna. You’re like family, and I’m honored to present this citation from Governor Maura Healey,” he said.

Brunelle spoke last, thanking those in attendance along with her family, friends, longtime sponsors, and original school member Maureen Whalen.

“I think I could travel the globe and I’d be hard pressed to find better people,” she said. “They are the finest friends anyone could hope for. So tonight is a celebration of them — and of all the teachers who have come through the years.”