The Oyster River Cooperative School District (ORCSD) was honored to welcome U.S. Olympic freestyle skier Grace Henderson as she visited Moharimet School on March 5 and Oyster River Middle School on March 9.

A proud Oyster River alum, Grace, now 24, returned to the classrooms where her Olympic dreams began. During her visit, students and staff celebrated her journey to the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan–Cortina, where she competed in slopestyle and big air.

Throughout her career, Grace has earned multiple podium finishes in freestyle skiing, including first-place wins in both big Air and slopestyle. She has competed successfully on the world stage, sometimes alongside her brother Hunter, earning top 10 World Cup finishes and a top 5 result at the Junior World Championships before qualifying for the 2026 Winter Olympics.

On March 5, Grace arrived at Moharimet with her parents and connected with former teacher Mrs. Schmitt, who taught her in third grade.

“The third graders were absolutely thrilled to meet Grace,” said Mrs. Schmitt. “In class, we had talked about her journey—how even as a third grader herself, she dreamed of becoming an Olympian. Hearing her story firsthand made that dream feel real and reachable. She inspired our students by showing them that with hard work, determination, and perseverance, their own dreams can take shape too. Her visit brought a meaningful sense of connection to our school community, and it was truly a special experience for everyone at Moharimet.”

The third grade classroom visit was followed by a schoolwide assembly. Grace shared artwork and school projects from her elementary years, memories that included her early wish to become an Olympian. She showed personal photos from her Olympic experience and talked about what it’s like to compete on the world stage.

Students were excited to learn about Grace’s childhood favorites, like growing up admiring athlete Bode Miller, her love for watching gymnastics, especially Simone Biles, and playing both soccer and lacrosse when she was not on the slopes, falling in love with skiing because she “can go faster and it’s more fun.”

Grace captivated everyone’s attention as she shared behind-the-scenes stories from the Olympics, like eating six-ring shaped pasta, what it’s like to receive your opening day outfit, and watching the closing ceremony in person. Ten Moharimet students were selected to ask Grace questions in person, making for an inspiring and memorable exchange.

On March 9, Grace visited Oyster River Middle School (ORMS), where she reconnected with former teachers and staff. In a schoolwide assembly in the Morse Recital Hall, she spoke about learning to ski at just two years old and the long road that led her to elite competition. Her journey included major setbacks, such as injuries that prevented her from joining the Olympic team in 2018.

Grace shared that training can be both mentally and physically challenging. She explained that over the years she sustained multiple injuries, including a broken collarbone, a spinal injury, and fractures in both heels that briefly required her to use a wheelchair.

Her message to students was clear: If you persevere and work hard, you can achieve your dreams. During an open Q&A, students asked about her time in middle school, her Olympic experience, and her passion for skiing.

ORCSD would like to warmly thank Grace and her parents, Christine and Mark Henderson, for their generosity and for taking the time to visit.

Grace talked to Moharimet students about her Olympic experience during a schoolwide assembly.

Grace also visited ORMS, where she met with students and answered questions.

Grace’s Olympic dreams started at Moharimet School, where her schoolwork shows her early aspirations as an athlete. Courtesy of the Henderson family.