The Chronicle Salutes Dr David L. Henderson Hometown Hero of Mid-Michigan

Dr. David Henderson was born and raised in Logan, WV. He is the youngest of 6 sons to the late Orlando and Sterling Duncan Henderson., married to Brenda and has 3 adult children, David Jr., James, and Britney (Christopher) Slater.

Dr. Henderson received a PhD and MA degree from Michigan State University. He graduated from Marshall University in Huntington, WV with a BA degree in Elementary Education in 1969. He is a 1965 graduate of Logan High School, Logan, WV.

Dr. Henderson was recruited to come to Lansing to teach in the Lansing School District in 1969 as a classroom teacher. He taught at Michigan Avenue Elementary School for 3 years. Later he enjoyed the role of Planning Specialist for the cluster of schools: Main Street, Barnes, Elmhurst, and Lewton. . He was asked by Dr. Carl Candoli to become a Principal and his first assignment was at Allen Street School

becoming the youngest African American male Principal in the District. After 17 years at Allen he transferred to Woodcreek Elementary. He retired as Principal from Grand River School after being actively involved in the Lansing School District and the Lansing Community for 30 years.

Dr. Henderson served as State Treasurer, Board of Managers, and Region H Vice President for the Michigan Congress of PTA. In 1991the Michigan Congress of PTA honored him with a Certificate of Commendation for Outstanding Service and Sincere Dedication to the Improvement of Economic, Social and Educational conditions for children and youth.

Dr. Henderson was actively involved for a number of years with Chief Okemos Council of Boy Scouts of America. He received the Council’s Whitney M. Young Service award in 1994 for Unselfish Service to the Youth of America. He received the Chief Okemos Council 1986 Outstanding Service and Continuous Support Award for Packs #435 and #426 in 1986. He served in the following capacity for Chief Okemos Council of Boy Scouts of America: Executive Board, Council Coordinator for Troops 229, 426, and 435, Committee Member Troop 425, Committee Chair troop 534, Council Chairman Membership Committee, and Council Volunteer for Camp Kiwanis helping low income kids to attend day camp Girl Scouts of America Coordinator Capital Area Literacy Coalition Executive Board Published article “SUCCEEDing against the Odds” Fall 1992 Michigan Principal Magazine Boys and Girls Club of America St. Casimir’s Church. Member, served on the Education Committee Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc. Life member NAACP Life Member Michigan Elementary Middle Schools Principal Association, Lansing Association of School Administrators, School Administrator Superintendent Certification.