The Madison School Board approved a proposal to rename Glendale Elementary School in honor of the late Dr. Virginia Henderson on Monday night.

A beloved and legendary educator and matriarch for many in the Madison community, Dr. Henderson, along with her husband Dr. Perry Henderson, were well-known philanthropists in Madison.

“Renaming Glendale to Dr. Virginia Henderson was a true community-driven change,” MMSD School Board President Gloria Reyes tells Madison365. “Dr. Henderson left a legacy of love, compassion, and education for all children. It was an honor to be a part of this process and decision.”

For many years, Dr. Virginia Henderson worked as a school psychologist and diversity consultant with the Madison Metropolitan School District. She was honored as a YWCA Women of Distinction in 1991 and Woman of the Year Award from Mothers of Simpson Street in 1994 and the Madison Area Service Club Ruth Gordon Service Award. Henderson was a founding member of Women in Focus, an organization in the Madison area dedicated to helping students of color achieve their dreams. She was also was the founder of the African American Ethnic Academy.

Glendale Elementary School is located in the southeast corner of Madison close to Highway 51, just blocks from Madison La Follette High School and Sennett Middle School.