I recently learned that Rocky Hill teacher Claire Burnett is retiring after an amazing 35 years of dedicated service. The news brought back fond memories of an educator that had a tremendous impact on my own life. I wish her only the very best as she embarks on this new chapter of her life. Knowing Mrs. Burnett, it will be full of adventurous travel.
I first encountered Claire Burnett as a Griswold student. At the time, the school only housed a seventh and eighth grade. As a shy 13 year old, I noticed a flier for tryouts for the school's annual musical. That particular year it was Guys & Dolls. A childhood crush was auditioning for a part so I thought this would be my big chance to impress her. (Give me a break, I was 13) I gave my all in the audition even using a variety of props. Despite my goofy effort, Mrs. Burnett took a chance on me. She actually gave me one of the leads. I was going to play "Sky Masterson", the part made famous by Marlon Brando in the film version. I would be decked out in a black suit, white tie and a fedora. It was an all star cast that would include fellow classmates Amie Roberts, Drew DeCorletto, Brian Fraiser and Susie Vignone in the lead roles. Many of my co stars have gone on to be teachers, lawyers, professional actors and even Broadway directors.
With a small taste of the limelight, I had caught the acting bug and would perform in plays throughout highschool and college. I even joined the school choir when Mrs. Burnett began teaching at the highschool. She gave me a life long appreciation for music. More importantly, she gave me confidence and helped me break out of my shell. A shy kid voted "quietest" in his seventh grade year book, these days you can't shut me up. After a few years working for a member of the Kennedy clan, I returned to Connecticut to open up my own law practice. My newest stage is the court room. I have no fear performing before judges and juries. I blame Claire Burnett. I just hope she isn't too hard on herself for creating another lawyer.
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A partner in the Connecticut Law Firm of Podorowsky Thompson & Baron, Adrian Baron was recently named one of the top 100 legal bloggers in the United States by the American Bar Association's ABA Journal Magazine. He was also named to the 2012 Superlawyer New England Rising Star List, a distinction given to less than 3% of attorneys in the state. Adrian's legal column can be found weekly at the Rocky Hill Patch. Questions can be sent via lawpatch@ptblegal.com or via www.ptblegal.com
