Celebration of Gladys woodley at the Heartland Museum

Few people make an impact on others’ lives the way teachers do. Fewer still live to be 104 years old.  To honor her impact during those 104 years of her life, on October 28, the Heartland Museum honored Gladys Woodley, believed to be the oldest country schoolteacher in Wright County.

Gladys greeted many of her visitors by name as they came in. More than 60 people—friends, students, and neighbors of Gladys—came for the event. Special guests included fourth graders in Mrs. March’s class at C-G-D Elementary, who sang two songs they would also be singing for the school’s Veterans Day program and one called “Forever Learning,” which was especially touching for the teachers in the room.

Mary Tesdahl of the Heartland Museum introduced some speakers who represented major parts of Gladys’s life. First Bob Kruger, president of the Rowan Lions Club, presented Gladys with a certificate thanking her for her faithful service. Lee “Butch” Aldrich, also from the Rowan Lions Club, told the audience that Gladys didn’t join Lions until she was 81 years old, but even so, she was an active member.

For the full story, see the November 5 edition of the Monitor.