More than a Name: The Legacy of Dr. Virginia Henderson

by Cristian Cruz

Virginia Henderson was a philanthropist, activist, teacher, and community leader. Shortly after she passed away, the Madison School Board voted unanimously to rename Glendale Elementary School in her honor. This recognition represented the community's love and appreciation for everything Dr. Virginia Henderson accomplished.

Now, Simpson Street Free Press has launched an all new Virginia Henderson Free Press publication. But who was Dr. Virginia Henderson?

I was 10-years old when I first met Virginia Henderson. I was a middle school staff writer at Simpson Street Free Press and Virginia was a member of our board of directors. She always took the time to talk with us and encourage us. And she always supported our work. I still remember how she would ask us, the students, about our articles and what we were working on. Dr. Henderson talked to us about the importance of writing and academic achievement; always with a warm and caring tone. Each year, at the Women In Focus – “I Have a Dream Ball,” Virginia would welcome us and make us feel special. For us, getting to see Dr. Henderson was always one of the highlights of the event.

Dr. Virginia Henderson was a fierce advocate for academic achievement and local kids. Her credentials and accomplishments in the field of education could not be more impressive. She worked in the Madison schools, was a longtime Rotary member and contributor to Madison Rotary Foundation, and a board member at Simpson Street Free Press.

Glendale Elementary School was honored by this name change. Glendale – now Henderson – Elementary is located on the South-East side. The Henderson name naturally and rightly inspires Madison students for years to come.

That’s why this move was practical and not just symbolic. Inspiration for elementary-age readers, and the rest of us, is needed because our city faces a reading crisis. Any and all steps that get more kids reading and more kids engaged at school make a real difference.

Quilen Blackwell graduated from Madison East High School in 2003. He received a scholarship through the Women in Focus Scholarship Fund and attended UW-Madison. He holds a bachelor’s degree with comprehensive honors from UW-Madison and a master’s degree in environmental policy from the University of Denver. Blackwell has an extensive background working in the renewable energy field.

Like many local young people, Blackwell got important assistance from Women in Focus at an important time in his life. Mr. Blackwell was a previously featured speaker at the “I Have a Dream” Scholarship Ball–a cherished annual event sponsored by Women in Focus.

Mr. Blackwell’s speech in 2020 focused on academic achievement. He talked about how people in the Madison community, like Virginia Henderson and Women in Focus, helped him achieve his dreams.

Virginia and Perry Henderson were long-time supporters of Simpson Street Free Press. Taylor Kilgore, another Women in Focus scholarship recipient, is a UW-Madison journalism grad and a former editor at Simpson Street Free Press. She told the audience about her earliest memories of Virginia Henderson.

“I know Virginia has inspired many young people around our city. Virginia Henderson embodies everything Madison’s annual “I Have Dream” event stands for: supporting the college dreams of local young people and making our community a better and stronger place,” Kilgore said.

For many decades Dr. Virginia Henderson gave a lot to all of us in Madison. Her name will continue to inspire local students for generations to come.