Every May, Lampeter-Strasburg school board members, administrators, faculty, and parents gather for a unique ceremony to honor the District’s most diligent, studious, and talented learners in fifth, eighth, and eleventh grade. These students represent the highest-achieving scholars in their grade or subject area and are selected by their various teachers who use academic performance, leadership, and citizenship as criteria.
At the end of the ceremony, the recipients are proclaimed “Burrowes Scholars,” named after Thomas Henry Burrowes. I have attended this ceremony almost every year for the past 22 years and have always wondered two things.
- Who is Thomas Burrowes?
- Why does L-S have an award named after him?
Who is Thomas Burrowes?
The back of the award’s program helps to answer the first question.
Thomas Henry Burrowes (1805-1871), a man of Irish heritage, was born in Strasburg on November 16, 1805. His journey led him to Trinity College and Yale University, where he honed his intellect. At the age of thirty, he was appointed Secretary of the Commonwealth under Governor Joseph Ritner, a role that allowed him to shape Pennsylvania’s education system. His efforts led to the passing of the Revised School Law of 1836, a pivotal moment in the establishment of the public school system, a testament to his dedication and foresight.
It was also through Burrowes’ efforts that the Pennsylvania School Journal, which contains information to keep state educators aware of the latest educational developments, was first published. Upon completing his term of public office, Dr. Burrowes continued to show his deep interest in the field of education, for he became president of Pennsylvania State University, a position he held until his death in 1871.
He is buried in the cemetery of Saint James Episcopal Church, Lancaster, Pennsylvania.
Some additional research provided more details and background.
Early Life and Influences
Born in Strasburg at 10 West Main Street on November 16, 1805, Burrowes’ early life was shaped by a blend of Irish heritage and American upbringing. His father, Irish-born Thomas Bredin Burrowes, was a clockmaker. His mother was Ann Henrietta Smith Burrowes.
In 1810, the Burrowes family moved to Ireland to take possession of property owned by his father’s brother. The ninth of thirteen children, he grew up in a family where education was valued. Although Burrowes never graduated from college, he did study law for one year at Yale University. Next, Burrowes worked and studied law in the office of prominent Lancaster Attorney Amos Ellmaker. These experiences undoubtedly shaped his understanding and appreciation for academic rigor and legal frameworks. Although Burrowes was admitted to the bar in Lancaster in 1829, he practiced law intermittently during his lifetime.
The Politician and Reformer
Burrowes became active in state politics at age 25, running for the state House of Representatives and being elected to serve beginning in 1831. He was elected again in 1832.
In 1829, Democrat George Wolf became Governor of Pennsylvania, and a unique coalition was formed soon after, seeking passage of legislation that would create a common school system for Pennsylvania. The coalition consisted of Wolf, Burrowes, and Thaddeus Stevens. Though opposed by many members of both parties, the needed legislation was eventually passed in 1834, requiring all municipalities to provide elementary education for the children of its residents.
A grassroots effort to repeal the law was launched in 1835, but that attempt was defeated because of the oratorical skills of Thaddeus Stevens. On the floor of the Legislature, when debating the law that would have repealed the Public School Act, Stevens said, “Such a law should be entitled ‘An act for branding and marking the poor, so that they may be known from the rich and the proud.'”
While serving in the State Legislature, Burrowes joined Stevens in forming and organizing Pennsylvania’s Anti-Masonic Party, the first third-party the United States was to know.
His appointment as Secretary of the Commonwealth (a position that he would hold for two years) under Governor Joseph Ritner at the age of 30 further propelled him into a position where he could effect meaningful change in the educational landscape.
From 1835 to 1839, he was also the ex-officio head of the common school system, developing many of the regulations needed for the operation of the public schools. Burrowes performed so well in his position that the Governors, Superintendents, or Legislators between 1838 and 1852 chose to do little or nothing for education. The public school system of Pennsylvania was running on the momentum provided by Burrowes.
Championing Public Education
Burrowes’ tenure as Secretary of the Commonwealth was marked by significant contributions to Pennsylvania’s education system. He was instrumental in organizing the state’s school system and advocated for the Revised School Law of 1836, which laid the foundation of the public school system. The law required all municipalities to provide elementary education for the children of their residents. In addition, his efforts in publishing the Pennsylvania School Journal were critical in disseminating educational developments and best practices among educators.
Believing that a quality common school system needed well-trained and well-educated teachers, Burrowes framed the law and led the movement that resulted in the establishment of the Pennsylvania Normal Schools, the first one being in Millersville, PA, in 1857. That’s present-day Millersville University.
Advocacy Beyond Politics
After his term in public office, Burrowes continued to champion education. He became the president of Pennsylvania State University, demonstrating his deep commitment to higher education. His involvement in the formation of the Pennsylvania State Teachers Association (PSTA), which would eventually morph into PSEA, and the development of the State Normal Schools for teacher training underscored his belief in the importance of qualified educators in shaping a robust education system.
The College President and the Final Years
In 1868, Burrowes took on the role of President at the Agricultural College of Pennsylvania (known today as Penn State) during a period of financial difficulty. His curriculum development efforts and experimental farm management reflected his diverse interests and skillset. However, it was his commitment to the institution and its students, even in challenging times, that genuinely highlighted his dedication.
Legacy and Impact
Burrowes’ impact on education in Pennsylvania is profound. From fighting for the Free School Act to creating the framework for its implementation across the state, his contributions have had a lasting effect. He was more than just an organizer; he was a visionary who understood the transformative power of education. His work in education demonstrated a life dedicated to the service of others and has help make Pennsylvania the educational powerhouse it is.
Why does L-S have an award named after him?
I reached out to former L-S Superintendent Dr. Robert Frick, who worked for the district for more than 40 years, for the answer to question two. Unfortunately, the origins of the ceremony have been lost to memory, with Frick saying that the Burrowes Scholars program was already in operation when he came to the District in 1966.
Nevertheless, given Burrowes’ experience and accomplishments, as well as his being a native son of what would eventually become Lampeter-Strasburg School District, naming an award for academic achievement after him makes perfect sense.
Adventure Awaits!
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References:
- 2023 Burrowes Scholars Proclaimed
- Biographical Annals of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania
- Dr Thomas Henry Burrowes
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1864 Map of Strasburg Township, Lancaster County, PA$24.99 – $25.99
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