Golden Apple Award: Congratulations to Marti Henderson!
Throughout her 36 years of teaching, she has inspired countless others with her dedication and guidance.
'I've known Marti for over 33 years. We've been together through friendships, different disciplines, different districts and throughout all that time, Marti is the consummate professional. She is so good to her students of course, but she is also really good to us,' Henderson's colleague Anne Marie Leo-Catapano said. 'Not just the young teachers, she inspires and takes good care of them, but she's also very helpful to seasoned teachers. She is everything you want in a colleague, she really is.'
Principal Dave Passero said, 'She wears her heart on her sleeve. Every single child matters, and she makes sure that she finds a way to engage each and every student.'
For the past six years, Henderson has been teaching Physical Education. The kids call her coach. But, prior to that, she was a science teacher. No matter the subject, she has always been someone students can turn to.
Colleague Julia Brongo said, 'She's the go-to person where if they are struggling with insecurities or what have you, they know they can go to coach. She just gives sound advice. She teaches to the whole child, not just Phys Ed, but how to be good humans.'
Colleague Keyshawn Brown adds, 'She's taught me a lot of things about being a good teacher and classroom management techniques, how to talk in front of people, project my voice. There's been countless things she's done to help me over the past 2 years.'
Mrs. Henderson has decided that this will be her last year teaching. She is retiring after 36 and a half years.
Teaching wasn't her first career choice, but it was the right choice.
'After college I became a scientist, and I just didn't love it. But I did love the sciences, so then I decided after that career that I was going to pursue my teaching degree. So I went back to school got it and have loved every minute of it since,' Henderson told News 8.
She will be missed, but leaves knowing she has made a difference. She recalls a visit from a former student a few years ago.
'She came over with flowers and balloons and said I just wanted to let you know that I was inspired by your teaching of science and I became a scientist, and I just had to come and tell you…You just don't know what you are going to say or do that could change it for somebody,' Henderson said.
Sound advice from a great teacher. Congratulations Marti!
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Before the event, Egdorf said mounds on the site provide more space for markers for those who remain unclaimed. Although not much is known of Aguirre's life after the war, his 'story just goes on,' she said. As more information gets pieced together on Aguirre's life, reminders of hundreds like Aguirre daunt historians like Egdorf. 'How many other stories are we missing?' she asked.
