Uncrowned Community Builders

Waidene (Marshall) Murphy, the second child of Homer and the late Ethel Marshall, was born in Newton, Texas . She came to Buffalo , New York with her parents when she was a year old and attended Buffalo Public Schools #6 and #53. After graduating from East High School she attended State University College at Oswego , earning a Bachelors of Science degree in Elementary Education. She also received a Masters of Science degree in Education from Canisius College in Buffalo.

An educator for thirty-four years, Mrs. Murphy, taught at PS #66, Fillmore Middle School and Campus East School -renamed Dr. Lydia T. Wright School of Excellence. At Campus East she was the advisor, for twenty-four years, to the Campus East Chapter of the National Junior Honor Society, the first elementary public school in Buffalo to receive a charter. Her professional endeavors also include being a trained mathematical mentor to other teachers in her building, presenting workshops and providing instruction in current mathematical methodology and materials; consultant for Integration Through Magnet Schools in Connecticut; writing curriculum for New York State Health Infusion Project; a teacher/counselor for the Saturday Morning Gifted Math Program, sponsored by the State University at Buffalo, in Buffalo and in Niagara Falls; writing City mathematical exams; and a member of the interviewing team for new teachers in Buffalo.

A member of Calvary Baptist Church for over 28 years, Waidene is the Church Treasurer, a member of the Trustee Ministry (its first female member), and a Deaconess. Always concerned with the youth of the church and the community, she helped to develop Calvary 's after school tutorial program, Project C.A.R.E., now in its eleventh year. Waidene and her husband David have headed the Boy Scouts of America Program at Calvary for over 32 years, with Troop and Pack 345.

Mrs. Murphy's community efforts have included: Chair, Education Committee, Camp Fire Boys and Girls and former Girl Scout leader with the Brownies. She is a twenty-five year member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Buffalo Alumnae Chapter. She served as the chapter's Vice President for four years, Chair of the Teen Lift Committee and Co-director of sorority's Jabberwock. She has also been a member of both the Scholarship Committee and Fundraising Committee. She is currently the Financial Secretary.

Waidene has received numerous awards from her church in recognition of her service to the youth of the church. She has also been recognized by the community including the following: the Mother to All Award and Church Volunteer Award; Apple for the Teacher Award from Iota Phi Lambda Sorority; Education Community Award from Naomi Chapter #10 O.E.S.P.H.A.; Service Award from Theodore Roosevelt District Boy Scouts of America; Outstanding Couple Award, along with her husband David from Paramount Chapter #57 O.E.S.P.H.A.; and recognition from the Dr. Lydia T. Wright School of Excellence for dedicated service to the National Junior Honor Society for many years.

Retired from teaching since 2001, Waidene continues to work with the youth ministry of Calvary Baptist Church, the Boy Scouts, and Project C.A.R.E. She enjoys reading, bowling, sewing, attending concerts and plays, and traveling with her husband.