Marykirk Cunningham receives 2023 John W. Tolbert Jr. award

On Tuesday, the Leesburg Town Council and Environmental Advisory Commission Chair Paul Sheaffer presented Marykirk Cunningham with the 2023 John W. Tolbert Jr. Environmental Achievement Award.

Cunningham, a kindergarten teacher at Frederick Douglass Elementary School, was nominated and selected to receive the award due to her dedication to the FDE Garden Lab, located in one of the school’s interior courtyards.

In August 2012, Cunningham, along with her husband, Jim, and her father Pop Goodhart, a horticulturalist and landscaper, designed the space. It is accessible to students, staff, and families as an instructional tool for across curriculum project-based instruction.

In addition, fruit-based crops such as apples, strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, and figs, along with a wide range of vegetables are incorporated into a “garden to table” concept.

Working closely with the cafeteria staff and the Loudoun County Public School’s nutrition department, the garden lab allows students to harvest crops, which are then prepared for lunch by cafeteria staff. The school also continues their partnership with the Virginia Agriculture in the Classroom, focusing on where food comes from, in addition to Virginia farming.

“Since childhood, my parents established the importance of giving to the community, supporting the well-being of children, and allowing others to make connections that help us develop our whole being through nature and gardens. In turn, this allows us to understand the impact we have on the environment and encourages us to care for it,” Cunningham said.

“With the continued support of my family, the FDE school family, and local organizations, we will continue to thrive in allowing others to have an inspirational outdoor space to learn and nurture our minds and bodies.”

The FDE Garden Lab has hosted over 50 local public and private schools for tours and information sessions. It has been the host to state and national organizations for conferences and professional development. 

As the director of the GreenBeans Club and the founder of the Northwest Virginia Regional GREENetwork for environmental school club teachers, Cunningham continues to inspire and make environmentally friendly innovations in schools and beyond.

To learn more, visit the FDE Garden Club’s website.