Janet Michelle Burruss

Janet Burruss dedicated more than 30 years to education and youth mentorship in Wilmington, Delaware. Her path into education began unexpectedly as a single parent looking for work while also organizing neighborhood girls, including her own daughters and niece, into what became the Eastside Stepper Drill Team Corporation. What started on the front steps of her home grew into a thriving organization with more than 150 members and volunteers over 15 years. Through the drill team, Janet taught young people discipline, respect, sportsmanship, and the importance of maintaining strong grades, while also opening doors to travel and new experiences. Janet began her career with the Red Clay Consolidated School District in 1995 after a principal recognized her natural ability to connect with youth and hired her on the spot. She spent the first 8 years of her career working with middle school students, particularly in in-school suspension and timeout settings, where she built strong relationships with students who needed extra guidance and support. Janet’s hands-on experience with students helped shape her compassionate, patient approach and strengthened her belief that young people need structure, understanding, and someone who genuinely cares about their future. She also worked with cheerleading, and created a step team and a female groomers club. In addition to her school-year work, Janet spent summers beginning in 2010 supporting students with complex medical needs through the Meadowood program, working with children who used wheelchairs, and communication devices. She retired after more than 30 years of service from A.I. duPont High School, leaving behind a legacy of care, encouragement, and commitment to young people. Janet hopes to be remembered as someone who loved people deeply and made a positive difference in the lives of the students and families she served.