Dr. Larry Burdick, former Superintendent of Pryor Public Schools, was recognized with the 2008 Lifetime Achievement Award at the recent statewide conference held in Oklahoma City sponsored by the Cooperative Council for Oklahoma School Administration (CCOSA), Dr. Randall Raburn, executive director, announced.

“The award is presented to a loyal school administrator who has demonstrated a long-time commitment to education in Oklahoma, and to improving education through strong leadership,” Dr. Raburn stated. He added, “We congratulate Dr. Burdick for receiving this prestigious honor. He has dedicated over 50 years to education in Oklahoma. ” Only administrators who are retiring or who have already retired from education are eligible for the award.

Burdick, a veteran school administrator who is retiring this month at the age of 75, was recognized in front of his peers at the awards ceremony during the conference. “It is an honor to receive this award. It is always great to be recognized by your colleagues,” he said.

Burdick has one of the longest tenures in education in Oklahoma (51 total years) beginning his teaching career in Garber in 1956. In his 10 years at Garber, he served as teacher, coach, high school principal, and superintendent before taking a position for one year as Director of Teacher Education at Phillips University. The following year, 1968, he was hired as Pryor’s superintendent serving in this position ever since.

The superintendent claims his greatest satisfaction as a school administrator has been observing students of all backgrounds successfully accomplishing their goals during their school years . He also takes pride in the community in supporting the school district, its students and activities, school bond issues, and its confidence in the financial management.

“The purpose of the Lifetime Achievement Award is to honor commitment to the highest ideals of Oklahoma education and the Oklahoma Association of School Administrators,” Dr. Raburn said. “This educator has demonstrated professional and ethical leadership throughout his career,” he added. Recipients are chosen by an OASA committee based on lifetime effectiveness in educational administration, community activities, legislative involvement, and contributions to education and educational issues in the state.

Burdick has been recognized by his peers as an outstanding mentor. Colleague Tom Linihan, Adair Schools Superintendent, spoke highly of Burdick’s achievements. “Dr. Burdick has distinguished himself as a strong advocate for public schools. His enthusiasm, and genuine concern and love for students and

faculty have been evident during his tenure as superintendent at Pryor. He has been my mentor and my friend,” Linihan said.

Burdick is active in many Pryor community and civic organizations including Rotary Club, Chamber of Commerce, Arts and Humanities Council, Pryor United Fund and Pryor Methodist Church.