Educator Ulla Muller honored on her 90th birthday
ST. THOMAS - Family, friends and some of the territory's top officials, including Gov. Charles Turnbull, paid homage to longtime educator Ulla Fernanda Moolenaar Muller on Sunday during a celebration of her 90th birthday.
Speakers at the event at Wyndham Sugar Bay Resort and Spa spoke reverently of Muller's decades of dedicated service to the community.
"She has been a shepherd to so many," Gov. Turnbull said at the luncheon.
Turnbull said Muller continues to be an inspiration for everyone.
"When it comes to education - she's a superstar," he said.
Turnbull had proclaimed Sunday as Ulla Fernanda Moolenaar Muller Day to recognize her 45 years as an educator on St. Thomas.
"She has lived a life well lived. A life of service. A life of distinction, and a life others can emulate," he told the more than 100 people who attended the event.
Muller's advice to those attending her birthday celebration was to strive for excellence - "to always try your best."
She said she was surprised by the birthday celebration and that it was "a great day for her."
Muller also spoke about the importance of being civic-minded.
"It's important to help everyone as best as you can. We should share our experiences and our knowledge," she said.
Muller was born on July 21, 1915, when the Virgin Islands was still a part of the Danish West Indies. She lived in Estate Neltjeberg, attended James Monroe Rural School and in 1934 graduated from Charlotte Amalie High School.
Six months after graduating, Muller received her first teaching job. She taught English and history to third- and fourth-graders at Abraham Lincoln Elementary School, which is now J. Antonio Jarvis Elementary School.
Muller sought out additional training and spent her summer breaks taking sessions at the Local Teacher's institute. She spent one summer at the Polytechnic Institute in Puerto Rico.
Three years later, Muller became the principal at James Monroe, where she also taught all subjects to grades one through six.
Muller continued her own education by enrolling in Hampton University in Virginia where she graduated in 1953 with a bachelor of arts degree in elementary education.
Muller's dedication to her studies and high marks earned her the coveted Irene Elizabeth Codrington Award.
"You must always try your best," Muller said Sunday.
After graduating from Hampton University, Muller accepted the principal-teacher position at the Nisky Elementary School. During her tenure there, she spent summer breaks at New York University, where she graduated in 1963 with a masters degree in administration and supervision in elementary education.
In 1979, the Nisky school was renamed in her honor: Ulla F. Muller Elementary School.
In 1980, Muller retired, but her service to the community continues.
Muller, who has traveled to dozens of countries, has played a key role in many of the territory's boards, associations and organizations.
She has also volunteered countless hours in the public schools.
Delegate to Congress Donna Christensen, who attended the luncheon, described Muller as special.
"We've all learned from her in one way or another," she said.
- Contact Tim Fields at 774-8772 ext. 364 or e-mail tfields@dailynews.vi.
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Tuesday, November 29th 2005 at 7:23PM
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