The 1953-1954 school year was also the year that Henderson High School started its first football team. Their first opponent was McDonough High School. Lee Henderson was on the field that night and he made the game-winning touchdown. The final score was Henderson High School – 7 (seven) and McDonough High School – 0 (zero)! There were many firsts for Lee during his senior year—change, achievement, celebrity, and growth that make great stories today to share with friends and family, especially his grandchildren.

When the 1953-1954 school year began, Lee Henderson was a senior at Booker T. Washington High School in Atlanta.  At some point, he transferred to Henderson High School in Jackson, Georgia. Moving from the larger city school setting to a smaller town with fewer students was not a challenge for Lee. Not only did he have acquaintances in Jackson, but he also felt more confident in the new setting. The teachers were very impressed with his skills and encouraged him to maximize his gifts. He used his artistic talent and athletic ability to get to know more students....

Timing is everything!  Being in the right place is a plus! During the school year, Henderson High School chose the Tiger as their mascot. They needed someone who could draw the head of a tiger as their official mascot. Lee Henderson used his artistic expertise to get the job done perfectly. Consequently, Henderson High’s first mascot was drawn by Lee Henderson.  (How fitting!)