Christopher “Chris” Scott Burnett passed away on September 8, 2026 at his home in Winter Park, Florida. Born on March 8, 1972 in Orlando, Florida, Chris attended Downey Christian School, Colonial High School, and Valencia Community College before enrolling at The Florida State University (FSU). At FSU, Chris pursued two of his life-long passions, double majoring in History and Political Science. During his time at FSU, Chris was actively involved in campus life and civic groups and rarely missed a Seminole football game. Upon graduating, he returned to Orlando where he began a career with Charles Schwab.

In what proved to be his most rewarding chapter, Chris transitioned into teaching, making a lasting impact on hundreds of students across several schools in and around Orlando: Avalon Elementary, Orlando Gifted Academy, Lake Como School, and Aloma Elementary. In the classroom, Chris brought his deep knowledge, quick wit, and enthusiasm for history into the lives of his students through interactive historical simulations, primary source documents, and the Hamilton soundtrack. As an educator, Chris was honored as the inaugural 2019–2020 Teacher of the Year for the Orlando Gifted Academy and was named the 2020 OCPS Elementary Social Studies Teacher of the Year.

Chris's passion for education extended far beyond the traditional school year. For many years he spent summers working with the People to People Student Ambassador Program guiding students on transformative international journeys and fostering cultural understanding across the globe. He was also a proud participant in the National Constitution Center's Summer Educator Institutes, traveling to Philadelphia to study constitutional history alongside leading legal scholars and master teachers.

Outside of the classroom, Chris lived life with the same energy and curiosity he brought to teaching. An avid runner, he completed countless local races in and around Orlando, ranging from 5Ks to half marathons. He was a lifelong comic book enthusiast, a film lover, and a passionate believer in voting rights and the U.S. Constitution. On game days, he cheered proudly for the Florida State Seminoles, the Atlanta Braves, and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Whether exploring distant galaxies in Star Trek and Star Wars or dissecting a favorite film, Chris brought a sense of wonder, intellect, and fun to everything he loved.

Chris is survived by his loving partner of 16 years, Jennifer Thornburgh; his mother, Carolyn Devault; his father, Jerry Burnett; his uncle, Robert Devault; and his two cherished cats, Ms. Weinke Hyde and Dr. Jekyll Ward. He was preceded in death by his maternal grandfather, Kenneth "Boo" Devault; his maternal grandmother, Ruby "Nana" Devault; his great-aunt, Elizabeth Gearheart; his childhood cats, Homer and Mr. Peabody; and the beloved dog and cat he shared with Jennifer: Charlie and Stanley Winston.

A celebration of Chris’s beautiful life will be held on October 24, 2026 from 2:00-5:00 p.m. at Avalon Park Funeral & Cremation Services in Orlando, Florida. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that you make a donation to your favorite charity or one of Chris’ favorite charities: the Pet Alliance of Greater Orlando, the Fair Elections Center, or The National Constitution Center.