OKLAHOMA CITY – Reps. Rhonda Baker, R-Yukon, and Mark McBride, R-Moore, on behalf of the Oklahoma House of Representatives, recently issued legislative citations to the two 2023 Oklahoma Educators Hall of Fame inductees.

Ray Henson and Joyce Henderson were inducted into the Oklahoma Educators Hall of Fame on Nov. 10.

"These two long-time, faithful Oklahoma educators deserve our thanks for their service to the students, parents and fellow educators of our great state," Baker and McBride said in a joint statement. "Their work is well-deserving of being memorialized in the Hall of Fame, and we're so glad to pay a part in their recognition."

Henson worked in Oklahoma public schools for 53 years, starting his education career as a science teacher in Kinta. He later became a basketball coach and high school principal in Glenpool. In 1971, he became superintendent at Talihina Public Schools, where for 35 years he sought educational innovations that led to dramatic increases in student learning opportunities and achievements. He garnered support that led to upgraded district facilities, which now bear his name.

Henson's career accomplishments include induction into the Eastern Oklahoma State College Alumni Hall of Fame in 2004 and receiving the University of Oklahoma Career Educator Award in 2004. He also served as president of the National Board of the North Central Association, the Talihina Chamber of Commerce, Talihina Lions Club, Talihina Housing Authority, and served on the boards of the Organization of Rural Oklahoma Schools, National Indian Impact Aid Association, and the Oklahoma Secondary Schools Activity Association. Henson also led and served on councils related to adult education and bilingual education with special attention to Native American students.

Henderson has served Oklahoma public schools for nearly 40 years as a teacher and administrator, including as principal at various schools in the Oklahoma City Public Schools District. The schools include Dunjee High School, Emerson Alternative High School, the original Classen High School, Northeast High School and Star Spencer High School. Henderson was also one of the original administrators for the opening of Classen School of Advanced Studies.

Henderson's career accomplishments include receiving the 2005 Top Ladies of Distinction, Inc. Award; the 2006 YWCA Woman Achiever of the Year Award; Central Oklahoma Chapter National Award from John F. Kennedy for the Performing Arts Administrator; Woman of the Year; Redlands Girl Scouts Organization: Wind Beneath My Wings Award; OKC Public Schools: Most Positive Principal Award; Langston University Education Hall of Fame Inductee; Most Outstanding Basileus Award of Midwestern Region, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.; Finalist for Oklahoma Foundation for Excellence Award; Oklahoma Medal for Excellence in Administration; state winner, Oklahoma Alliance for Arts Education Award; By-liner Award, OKC Professional Chapter, Women in Communications, Inc.; Outstanding Leadership Certificate, NTU Arts Association; Finer Womanhood Award, local chapter, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.

Citations for Henson and Henderson note that the two are recognized with the highest degree of respect and honor by all citizens of the great state of Oklahoma for their phenomenal teaching skills, contributions, and achievements.

The Oklahoma Educators Hall of Fame annually inducts teachers from across Oklahoma recognizing them for their integrity, leadership, accomplishments, and exemplary moral character.