3501 Hapner Way
Grace McWayne Elementary is named after the educator who has held the longest tenure of service to the children of Batavia. Grace McWayne began teaching in 1868, and 59 years later ended her career as the principal of Central School. In her honor, the school’s name was changed to Grace McWayne. When the school was rebuilt in _______ , it was dedicated in her honor along with her sister, Ellen McWayne, who taught in Batavia for 40 years, herself. To mark the elder McWayne’s 50th anniversary as a Batavia teacher, a celebration was held and a fund established in her honor. The 6,000 residents of the town contributed a collective $2,000 for Ms. McWayne, which was equal to two years’ salary. One contributor remarked that “She has done more than any ten men who ever lived in Batavia.” In typical fashion, Grace McWayne donated the money back to the school district to fund the building of tennis courts for school children to use for years to come.
