The Big Question
In our last issue, we asked you:
Who at Lawrenceville made a difference in your life? Why?
Easy answer: My wrestling coach, Tom DeGray H’67 ’69. I wrestled in Pennsylvania before coming to Lawrenceville and I struggled to make JV. But at Lawrenceville, under Coach DeGray for only one month, I went back to my former high school over Thanksgiving break, and as a result of his positive and supportive approach, I literally was able to whip those back at my old school … so much so that my former coach asked me what I did to improve so much! It was a powerful lesson to learn, the power of positive thinking, for yourself and the importance of instilling it in others.
– Charlie Terry ’69
Two people at Lawrenceville changed my life for the better: One was Norval Bacon H’49. He was the admissions director who plucked me out of my local public high school in the middle of my ninth-grade year. I was the son of an Air Force officer; Lawrenceville was not in the family budget, but the School gave me a scholarship. Totally changed the trajectory of my life. And the other was A. Graham Down H’60 ’62 ’63 ’64 ’67, American History teacher and House Master of Upper. He respected his students, set high standards of performance, and expected his students to meet them. I never wanted to disappoint “Daddy Down.”
– Wallace Murfit ’64
I was fortunate to have Henry Woods ’40 H’59 ’62 as my English teacher in both Second and Fifth Forms. Under his tutelage I grew to love Shakespeare and English poetry, culminating in winning the School writing prize at graduation. Henry’s inspiration led me to become a classroom teacher and newspaper reporter/columnist. I am ever in his and the School’s debt
– Robert Burkhardt ’58 P’07 ’09
My freshman year adviser [mathematics teacher Noelle Niu] has been the most meaningful mentor I’ve had in my life. From the beginning, she made Lawrenceville feel like home, where I genuinely felt cared for. Whether we were baking Christmas cookies as an advisory or grilling burgers and hot dogs together in the spring, she brought joy and warmth into our everyday experiences. Beyond those traditions, she also became an important part of my daily life, especially during winter and spring terms, when swimming and crew had me spending time with her almost every day. Our exciting chats on the bus ride home from crew every day were small but brought great joy to my day. Her guidance, humor, and kindness have shaped me deeply, and I truly hope she continues to bring her kindness to the Lawrenceville community. She has made Lawrenceville feel like home.
– Isabella Jin ’26
Tell us your answer to “The Big Question”
We will occasionally pose a “Big Question” to you, and then run selected responses in the next issue of The Lawrentian. So, put on your Harkness hats and let us know:
“When did you first realize you were truly educated?”
Please send your answers to Sean Ramsden H’65, editor of The Lawrentian, at sramsden@lawrenceville.org.