On April 15, Head of School Marjo Talbott was honored by Horizons National with the 2021 Andrew Clarkson Award. This award “honors an individual for their longevity of commitment, embodiment of the Horizons mission, and work that can be leveraged across the entire Horizons network.”

Over the last 20 years, Talbott has been instrumental in establishing and helping to grow the Horizons network across the Washington, DC area. Starting with a class of 15 kindergarten students on the Maret campus in 2000, the program has grown to serve nearly 400 K-8 students and now includes sites at St. Patrick’s School and Norwood.

Encouraged by teacher Kiki Swiegert, who had previous experience with Horizons in Connecticut, Talbott embraced the idea of Maret becoming a host site. Seeing the success of the program first-hand with Horizons at Maret, Marjo spearheaded an effort to encourage other local schools to join the program to create Horizons Greater Washington. “Thanks to her big heart, outstanding leadership, and believing in me, we now have a thriving Horizons Greater Washington,” said Swiegert.

Lorna Smith, CEO of Horizons National noted, “Marjo has been an outspoken advocate for Horizons both locally and nationally, speaking about and on behalf of Horizons at conferences, fundraisers, and other convenes.” Executive Director of Horizons Greater Washington Mike DeMarco closed the tribute with a heartfelt thanks to Talbott for her “incredible vision and commitment to Horizons.”

Horizons is an award-winning, tuition-free academic and enrichment program serving students from under-resourced communities in 19 states. Horizons Greater Washington is a partner site located in Washington, DC, and Maryland. Horizons’ six-week summer enrichment program and school year Saturdays help a diverse group of K-8 children from low-income families to develop a lifelong interest in learning, advance academic gains over the summer, and improve achievement in school.