WEF Honors Ms. Suzanne Burns and Mr. Rick McKenna with the Dr. Kim Smith Excellence in Education Award

The Wakefield Educational Foundation (WEF) celebrated its 29th annual Celebration of Learning on Wednesday, April 16th, honoring students, staff, and volunteers who exemplify the core values of Wakefield Public Schools. A highlight of the evening was the surprise presentation of the Dr. Kimberly Smith Excellence in Education Award. This year marked a historic moment as two individuals, Suzanne Burns and Rick McKenna, were jointly recognized for their exceptional service.

Superintendent Dr. Doug Lyons announced the unprecedented dual honor, noting that Burns and McKenna have worked "side by side for many years as a dynamic team" in service to the Wakefield community. The Dr. Kim Smith Award is named after Wakefield’s esteemed former Superintendent, who retired in 2018 after a 35-year career in the Wakefield Public Schools.

Burns and McKenna, both long-serving counselors in the Wakefield Public Schools, were lauded by colleagues for their "leadership," "selflessness," "impact," and "positivity"—qualities that embody the spirit of the Dr. Kim Smith Award. The dedicated team at Wakefield Memorial High School [WMHS] was praised for fostering “a safe space—a place where students found encouragement, empathy, and honest advice.” Their efforts have helped countless students believe in themselves and realize their potential.

Suzanne Burns was also recognized for bringing Breezy, a therapy dog, to Wakefield Public Schools. She trained Breezy and introduced her to Wakefield Memorial High School, where she has positively impacted many lives, extending the care and support provided by Ms. Burns.

Their presence in the halls of WMHS will be missed as McKenna retired in September 2024 and Burns announced her retirement for June 2025.

Dr. Lyons commended Burns and McKenna for the "confidence they’ve instilled and the futures they’ve helped to build," and thanked them for "being the heart of this school, the voice of reason in uncertain times, and the light that has guided so many." Dr. Smith and Dr. Lyons then welcomed members of the Burns and McKenna families to the stage to join in the celebration.

To support the grant process, WEF receives generous funding from key local business partners, private donors, and a series of annual fundraisers, including: WEF’s Wakefield Public Schools Calendar showcasing student art; the S.T.A.R.S. program recognizing exemplary WPS staff; the Online Auction and the Adult Spelling Bee. WEF has awarded over $730,000 across the Wakefield Public Schools since 1989. Learn more by following WEF on Twitter or Facebook, or go to WEF01880.org.