'Queen of Science Fair' Michele Hampton Retires After 18 Years at King High

After a career spanning more than 26 years, the final chapter of Martin Luther King High School AP Chemistry teacher Michele Hampton’s career is coming to a close. Known across Riverside as the “Queen of Science Fair,” her teaching has inspired future generations of trailblazers in the sciences. As she steps out of the classroom for the final time, we revisit the memories of Room B204 to shine a light on her story.

Hampton began teaching at Martin Luther King High School in 2008. During her 17-year tenure, her AP Chemistry classroom, Room B204, became known for being both rigorous and rewarding. With a 99% pass rate and nearly a third of her students earning 5s on a historically difficult exam, her results spoke for themselves — but so did her students.

“Mrs. Hampton is a tough teacher, but that’s only because she knows our capabilities and wants to see us succeed,” said current AP Chemistry student and junior Olivia Goodman. “Her class is tough, but I am so grateful that she pushed me to become a better student and an even better person.”

Beyond Room B204, Hampton helped expand and strengthen the competitive academic sphere at King. Serving as the longtime advisor for the King High STEM Research program, she guided students through groundbreaking science fair projects, many of which advanced to the state and even international level. Her accomplishments and reputation earned her the nickname “Queen of Science Fair” — a title she held even before arriving at King.

“Mrs. Hampton spends a ton of time each week helping kids with science fair,” said senior Shanmukh Bachhu. “I appreciate the time she spends in her clubs, and it is these clubs that helped get me into one of the best engineering schools in the world — UC Berkeley.”

Outside of the realm of science, Hampton was also the advisor for the Mock Trial team at King, which she and her son, Ben, led beginning in 2009. During her years of involvement, the team earned third place at the California state level in both 2018 and 2021.

Despite the many accolades and awards she has collected over the years, the things Hampton cherishes most are not found on a certificate or trophy, but rather in the small, meaningful moments shared with her students.

“My favorite memories are the day-to-day moments in the classroom,” Hampton said. “The laughter over a bad chemistry pun, the determination during a titration, and the sense of community we have built together.”

For Hampton, teaching was never just about the content. It was about cultivating a mindset that would serve her students far beyond high school.

“The part of teaching I’ve truly fallen in love with is the process of training young minds to think critically and analytically,” she said. “Knowing that I’ve played a small part in their journey — whether they become doctors, engineers, or researchers — is deeply motivating.”

Now, as she turns the page to retirement, Hampton shows no signs of slowing down. With travel plans, cycling adventures and time with her grandchildren ahead, her next great adventure — being a grandma — is just beginning.

As the final bell rings on Hampton’s teaching career, the lab equipment may be packed away and Room B204 may dim to darkness — but the laughter and legacy she leaves behind will continue to resonate in every student she inspired.

From unforgettable memories to lifelong lessons, if there’s one phrase that captures Hampton’s journey best, it’s the very motto she lived by: “Excellence in everything I do.” And truly, she did.

By Erik Chen