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90-Year-Old Teacher Maggie Henderson Continues to Inspire Oakridge Students

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  Published in Science and Technology on Friday, December 5th 2025 at 5:37 GMT by WRDW

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Soon‑to‑Be 90‑Year‑Old Teacher Continues Inspiring Students at St. Rafael School

In the heart of the small Midwestern town of Oakridge, a quietly remarkable story is unfolding that reminds us that passion for teaching knows no age. The article on WRDW’s website, titled “Soon‑to‑Be 90‑Year‑Old Teacher Continues Inspiring Students”, chronicles the life and legacy of Margaret “Maggie” Henderson, a veteran educator who will celebrate her 90th birthday on December 15, 2025. With a career spanning more than six decades, Henderson has become a pillar of the Oakridge School District, a living example of how commitment and love for students can transform a community.

A Life Dedicated to the Classroom

Maggie Henderson began her teaching career in 1963 after earning a Bachelor’s in Education from the University of Arkansas. The article notes that she was recruited by St. Rafael Elementary School (the district’s flagship institution) in 1964, at the age of 22. In her own words, captured in a short interview that the WRDW piece links to, she recalls, “I entered the classroom with a heart full of hope, and the kids’ curiosity kept that hope alive.” Over the years, Henderson has taught every grade from kindergarten to eighth grade, often staying on the job when others retired, and never once taking a leave.

Her long tenure has seen the transformation of the school’s curriculum. Henderson was instrumental in introducing the district’s first after‑school STEM club in 1990, which has since become a model for neighboring schools. She also spearheaded the “Read For Life” initiative in 2003, a school‑wide reading program that pairs teachers with younger students to cultivate a love of literature. The article points out that these programs earned St. Rafael recognition in the state’s “Excellence in Education” awards.

The “Living Legend” Effect

The piece highlights how Henderson’s presence in the classroom has influenced generations of students. Several current students, featured in the article, describe her as “a living legend” who still walks into the hallway with the same sense of purpose as on her first day. One fifth‑grader, Emma Liu, shares that Henderson taught her how to solve a math problem by turning it into a story about space explorers—a method that sparked her interest in science. Another student, Marcus Ortiz, who graduated from St. Rafael in 2018, now works as a civil engineer and attributes much of his career choice to Henderson’s insistence that “math is a tool for building the world.”

Henderson’s approach goes beyond the standard curriculum. She encourages “learning through life,” meaning she incorporates real‑world experiences into lessons. The article describes a recent project where she organized a field trip to the local river for environmental science, bringing in a community volunteer who explained the importance of water conservation. The WRDW link to a photo gallery shows Henderson and her students painting a mural on the school’s community board, depicting local wildlife.

Recognition and Community Support

While the article is primarily a celebration of Henderson’s longevity, it also notes that her contributions have not gone unnoticed. In 2020, the Oakridge City Council presented her with the “Lifetime Service to Education” award. The article includes a link to the city’s official announcement page, which lists her as the keynote speaker at the ceremony, where she spoke about the importance of fostering curiosity in youth.

In addition to formal accolades, Henderson has cultivated a network of alumni volunteers who donate resources to the school. The WRDW article features a story about the “Henderson Scholarship,” a small endowment she started in 2012 to help families with limited financial means pay for school supplies and extracurricular activities. The scholarship was mentioned in a linked local newspaper piece that highlighted its impact on over 100 students in its first five years.

Keeping the Fire Alive at 90

The article underscores that Henderson’s teaching style remains as vibrant today as it was when she first walked into the classroom. She embraces technology, having integrated interactive whiteboards and coding lessons in recent years. During the pandemic, she taught from home and set up an online tutoring program that connected students across the district. The piece includes a link to a short video of Henderson discussing her experience with virtual teaching, offering advice to other educators.

Despite her age, Henderson is reportedly in good health and full of enthusiasm. The principal of St. Rafael, Dr. Laura Simmons, is quoted as saying, “Maggie’s energy is contagious. She never lets her age dictate what she can achieve. She’s a reminder that teaching is not just a job—it’s a lifelong calling.” Henderson herself expressed that her favorite part of the day is the moment when a student has a “‘aha’ moment” and says, “I get it now.” She adds that the joy in those moments is what keeps her going.

A Call to Remember the Human in Education

In the closing paragraphs, the WRDW article urges readers to reflect on the profound impact a dedicated educator can have on a community. It highlights that as schools increasingly focus on standardized testing and administrative metrics, Henderson’s story reminds us that the essence of education lies in connection, curiosity, and the human element. The article ends with a note about the upcoming celebration on December 15, where students, faculty, alumni, and community members will gather to honor Henderson’s life of service.

Key Takeaways

For those who want to see more, the WRDW article offers links to the school district’s official page, a video interview with Henderson, a photo gallery of her classroom projects, and a local news piece detailing her scholarship. Even if you cannot click on those links directly, they provide a richer context to appreciate the depth of Henderson’s contribution to education and the Oakridge community.