Some teachers assign homework. Others inspire life-changing missions. And then there’s Miriam Osborne, a fourth-grade language arts teacher in Dallas, whose love for Duran Duran runs deeper than the Rio Grande.
Osborne isn’t just a fan—she’s a Duranie to the core. Her classroom at White Rock Elementary is practically a shrine to the Fab Five, complete with Duran Duran dolls, vintage records, and even an old-school telephone — just in case Simon Le Bon calls. (A teacher can dream, right?)
So when Ava Meyers, one of Osborne’s students, was heading off to England for Christmas break, the teacher did what any self-respecting ’80s superfan would do. She jokingly told her:
“Find Duran Duran.”
Little did she know—Ava would actually take the words to heart.
Planet Earth Calling: A Mission in London
The Meyers family jetted across the pond, touching down in Putney, London, a charming neighborhood best known for its riverside views, cozy pubs, and, apparently, one legendary rock star.
Ava’s mom, Zahara, was scrolling through Google, looking for things to do in the area when she stumbled upon a wild revelation:
“Simon Le Bon lives in Putney.”
Cue the sound of thousands of Duranies gasping in unison.
And because Duranies are nothing if not bold, Ava and her fearless 83-year-old relative Nick decided to take a chance on a knock.
After all, what’s the worst that could happen? Simon telling them “Notorious-ly” to scram?
Is There Something I Should Know?
At first, Zahara hesitated. But since rock gods are known to be on tour (or on tropical vacations) around the holidays, she figured it wouldn’t hurt.
What happened next was nothing short of a Christmas miracle.
Simon’s son-in-law answered the door. Then his wife. And then, after a little convincing from the ever-persistent Nick, the Meyers family got the ultimate gift:
“Hang on—I’ll get my husband.”
And just like that, Simon Le Bon appeared in the doorway.
Not on a stage. Not in a magazine. But in real life, smiling, chatting, and snapping photos with Ava and her family. A Wild Boy, indeed.
Hold Back the Tears: A Teacher’s Reaction
Back in Texas, Miriam Osborne was absolutely electrified by the news. When Ava returned from break, she proudly shared her once-in-a-lifetime moment with her classmates.
Osborne, who discovered Duran Duran in the ’80s while growing up in El Paso, knows exactly what it means to find your people through music. She recalls saving up babysitting money to buy her first Duran Duran album, an investment that has clearly stood the test of time.
“Music is a connector,” Osborne says. “It helped me find a place when I didn’t always fit in, and now I try to pass that same love on to my students. Everyone has a story, and music has a way of taking you back to your happiest moments.”
The Reflex: What’s Next for Ava?
Inspired by her fateful brush with rock ‘n’ roll royalty, Ava is now taking guitar lessons—because why settle for meeting legends when you can become one?
Who knows? Maybe years from now, a teacher will send their student off on an adventure to “find Ava Meyers”—and she’ll be the one opening the door to inspire the next generation of fans.
The Instagram Post
Ava Meyers stepped out of Miriam Osborne’s fourth-grade White Rock Elementary language arts to go on Winter break. Her family was headed to England. A diehard Duranie, Osborne says, “She left early, and we were hugging her and telling her goodbye, and I said, ‘Find Duran Duran’ — jokingly.”
The Meyers family did.
Ava’s mom, Zahra, says, “So when we went to Putney, it was Christmas Eve. We went to [my Aunt’s] house, and I was just Googling things to do in Putney, and the first thing that popped up was Simon Le Bon lives in Putney from Duran Duran.”
With an 83-year-old relative named Nick, who apparently has courage in droves, the family went to the door and knocked. After talking to Le Bon’s son-in-law and wife, Simon Le Bon stood in the doorway. The tall, 66-year-old rock star was notedly kind and friendly, giving Ava a kiss on the cheek and a hug. The two took pictures, and the 10-year-old was left with a lifetime memory. Instagram