Meridian H.S. Celebrates Opening of Marian Costner Selby Peace Garden, May 18

“She carried the tensions of a community on her shoulders.”

In an historic act of reconciliation and atonement addressing the racist wrongs of the past, the City of Falls Church Public Schools (FCCPS) and Meridian High School (MHS) celebrated the opening of the Marian Costner Selby Peace Garden, Sunday, May 18, on the school’s 5th floor, site of the school's newly-conceived rooftop garden and commemorative art and historical installations, commemorating one of Falls Church's most pioneering public school alumni.

The joyous ribbon-cutting ceremony presided over by City Council member and FCCPS Director of Strategic Planning and Community Engagement, Marybeth Connelly, was attended by Ms. Selby – who collaborated on and approved the garden and installation design – her family members and friends (many wearing celebratory t-shirts emblazoned with a photo portrait of Ms. Selby), Mayor Letty Hardi, FCCPS Superintendent Peter Noonan, several City Council members, MHS Principal Peter Laub, student representatives, and school teachers, staff and consultants who played a role in the creation of the site. 

Designed as a space for students to “reflect and connect” – and hopefully be kind to one another – the outdoor rooftop garden is dedicated to Marian Costner Selby of Falls Church, the first Black graduate of George Mason High School (now Meridian H.S.) in 1964. Ms. Selby had enrolled as a sophomore in 1961 during the height of the Civil Rights Era, as Virginia and other southern schools ended policies of “massive resistance” to racial integration in public schools long after the Supreme Court declared the practice unconstitutional in 1954. 

Surrounded by glass walls to take in the light, the attractive rooftop garden – approved by Ms. Selby and student groups, such as the Black Student Union (BSU)  – includes green benches for students to relax and socialize, sleek skylights to help conserve energy on the floor below, and beautiful cedar flower planters designed and built by students in the school’s design class. 

Thirteen museum and art installation plaques with photos and historical narratives about Selby’s life, her courage in the face of prejudice, and the racial realities of living in Falls Church in the early 1960s are provided in an indoor walking tour around the garden spaces. 

“Every day seemed to have a challenge, and Marian faced them all with grace and humor. Her actions opened the door for generations of students,” the garden’s introductory plaque reads. “Marian insists that all she did was go to school. Those who know her story, in the context of Virginia’s long history of unequal treatment of people because of the color of their skin, know that she did much more than that. She carried the tension of a community on her shoulders.” 

A massive, inspiring, and brightly colored 10 x 14.5 ft. mural (A Path of Her Own, 2025) by local artist Asia Anderson depicts Selby’s determined yet isolated walk to school as the young pathbreaker is “surrounded by a garden full of life, hope, and potential to brighten her path,” Anderson said. Inspiring and symbolic flower decals on the garden’s glass walls were also designed by Anderson.

Nearby, sculptor Roxanne Kaylor’s Marian in Style (2025) presents a life-sized silhouette of young student Marian Costner showing “what Marian might have looked like in high school in the 1960s,” Kaylor said. The silhouette was cut from raw steel (to match Marian’s steely personality) and its light/dark motifs highlighted against the glass backdrop suggest both the young sophomore's fearless spirit embodied in her posture as well as the “positive and negative” experiences she had as the sole integrator of her high school.

“When FCCPS renamed the high school from George Mason to Meridian High School, we made a promise to the community that we would not just change the name but we would educate our community on our history as we strive to make Falls Church the most equitable place possible,” Superintendent Noonan said to launch the ribbon-cutting ceremony…. And this garden, and naming it after you, Marian, is part of that promise.”

“In 2024, it was the 75th anniversary of the school division and we were learning about FCCPS’s firsts,” he said. “And that was the first time many people had learned about Marian’s history here at our high school.”

“Thank you for allowing us to share your story and to also tell the true story of what happened here on the campus in the context of history and in the context of our city,” Noonan said. “The Superintendent went on to thank the artists profusely and to highlight the work of the team’s graphic designer, James Hallock, who created the photo-rich explanatory plaques and helped make the internal spaces ‘beautiful.’” Noonan also had great words of praise for Council member Marybeth Connelly as she served as the “Game Master” for the entire project, “putting all the puzzle pieces together.”

Connelly then spoke, thanking Ms. Selby, seated in the front row, directly. “Marian, thank you for entrusting us to tell your story. And thank you for your patience. All those phone calls. Thank you for providing pictures and reading and rereading what was written about you and your great life.”

Connelly then highlighted and thanked a host of people and groups involved in the project, including, writing collaborators, members of the BSU and their advisor, the staff of Mary Riley Styles Public Library’s Local History Room, the Selby family, DS Metal Works of Falls Church (who cut the steel for Kaylor’s Marian in Style), the printers for Anderson’s large flower decals, the garden’s horticultural specialist, MHS Design teacher Kenny George, MHS’s Sustainability Coordinator, the school’s custodial team, and the Falls Church City TV (FCTV) station reporters live-streaming the ceremony. 

Connelly then introduced Samantha Gabriel – an MHS junior – of the BSU. “On behalf of the Black Student Union we could not be more grateful for Marian’s sacrifices,” she said. “Marian paved the way for justice and inclusion and possibilities… and the promise that we will continue to grow from the past in order to create and move toward a better future not only for ourselves but for the people who will come after us… I hope you will all continue to create a school in which every student, regardless of their background, will know they are wanted here and in the community.”

In an emotionally powerful introduction to the featured guest, one of Marian Costner Selby’s three sons, David Selby, then presented his mother a symbolic bouquet of flowers: the lily representing “resilience, strength, and innocence;” the sunflower signifying “hope, positivity, and overcoming challenges;” the yellow gladiolus, “associated with the sun which radiates energy, vitality, and positivity;” and the black rose which “draws people’s attention” – as Marian tends to do – and also stands for the “death of the mentality of those who did not want you here.” 

“This is a small bouquet for you – not to have – but for you give to somebody whom you seek out in this room, to whom you want to bring a little smile to their faces because I know, and everybody who knows you understands, there’s not a gathering that my mother’s a part of that she does not leave an impact on those around her and she always wants to bring them joy.” 

In a heart-warming moment, Selby then stood to receive the flowers and graciously thank her son. She then walked into the audience to give the flowers to the wife of her “very special first cousin” whose funeral was only the day before. To tearful applause, Selby said, “These flowers, I would like to give to Andrea, who – if you went through what this family went through yesterday, and then they get up and come and support somebody else – You deserve ‘em baby!” 

Selby then offered gracious thanks, but not without having a funny moment rolling her eyes as Marybeth Connelly stepped up to help adjust her microphone. “Now Marybeth said that I should make some kind of remarks. So, I’m trying to be obedient. I haven’t always been that way,” Selby quipped.

But then, after thanking her friends and family for their love and support, Selby delivered a heartfelt message of appreciation for FCCPS and the school system's dedicated teachers. To strong applause she said, “Now, the City of Falls Church has done something I really appreciate. The City of Falls Church has embraced history. Not only Black History. History. And they’re making sure that it’s told and it’s told truthfully. So, I am so happy to be a product of Falls Church City Public Schools, because I can brag and say, ‘You know what? The teachers of Falls Church City really don’t care what restrictions are placed. They’re going to call it and they’re going to tell it like it is.’ “

Selby emphasized she isn’t interested in “looking back,” but is instead concentrating on looking ahead, as one does while driving a car. You don’t dwell on what’s in your rear view but on what’s ahead in your wide-open windshield vista and where you want to go. 

“I also need to thank the City of Falls Church for allowing me to go in [the schools] and have interactions with the students of the school system,” Selby said. “Now, I’ve met with students from all grade levels. But, I tell you, my wrap-up session this year, I had over 100 kindergartners in two sessions…. And, I want to tell you, that what you’re teaching in the City of Falls Church, it’s working. You’re teaching these guys they can be change-makers.”

“In one of the classes I visited, there were change-makers on the bulletin boards. The usual ones, the Martin Luther Kings and people on that level. And then there was me,” Selby acknowledged. “But, what really captured my eyes was there was a mirror on that bulletin board and it said, ‘You can be a Change-maker.’ And each kid would go up and see themselves as a change-maker. And that’s a very positive thing. When I left the school, I was reminded of a song I learned in church. And I’m not gonna preach and I’m not going to sing. But, when I left those kindergartners, the words are: “I’ve gotta feeling. I’ve gotta feeling that everything’s gonna be alright.” 

Soon audience members were repeating back Selby’s spoken Baptist spiritual lines in call-and-response. “And, it’s been a pleasure working with your students. But you might want to warn them I’ll be coming back, but I’m not waiting for Black History Month, because we teach history all year.”

Now it was time for the countdown: “Three, Two, One!” And the ribbon-cutting was done with a joyful noise throughout the room.

The Falls Church Independent soon surveyed the room looking for folks to interview. 

Asked how she would like MHS students to think of her memorial garden, Selby told us, “Just as it is, meaning it's for Peace. There’s no need for things to be in an uproar or for confusion. This is for peace.” Elaborating on her respect for how FCCPS has incorporated civil rights lessons into their curricula, Selby said, “I think the rest of the country could learn a lesson right now, if they were to use Falls Church City Public Schools as a guide, they would be in a much better place…. I think we need to know what has happened in the past and the struggles people have had, but not dwell on it and not bring those struggles forward. But to start anew.”

“It was a lovely way to commemorate an important part of our history,” Mayor Hardi told us. “So, as Marian said, it’s important we always tell our true history – good or bad – and to learn from it. And I think Marian has been a high point for us in showing the power of resilience and determination. And telling her story today. I love seeing that here in Falls Church.”

Asked how she feels being a parent of three children in the FCCPS system, Hardi said, “As a parent, I’m glad our kids go to a place where we celebrate people who are change-makers and do hard things, and second, I just think it’s a beautiful space. I remember when we were walking through the space when we were building the school and thinking how it was going to be used. So, it’s really lovely to see the evolution of the Peace Garden on this floor.”

Asked about his emotions this ribbon-cutting day, Superintendent Noonan declared, “It makes me feel like we’ve been a part of history in many ways. We’ve been able to double down on the idea that every student is welcome in the City of Falls Church Public Schools. And to be able to share the history of it – as hard as it is sometimes to be here – it's important to make sure we don’t make mistakes like that ever again.”

“Marian has become an idol to me,” Noonan continued. “Every time I see her, she really does make me smile and bring me joy, because I can just imagine what her journey must have been like…. but my admiration for her is very high."

“It makes me feel so happy,” Marybeth Connelly agreed. “I am just thrilled there are so many people here to celebrate. I mean, Marian is just an amazing person. And so many people love her and it’s so great…. And, it’s a culmination of a lot of work.”

MHS Principal, Peter Laub, was also beaming. “Today’s incredible,” he said. “There are so many people attending from all different corners of life in Falls Church…. and this was made possible by the current School Board and school people, so I love that. I’m just very proud. It’s a proud moment for the City and for the schools.” 

Laub said he’s particularly pleased MHS could tie so much of its curriculum to the memorial garden’s design and creation. Pointing out the many students in attendance, he said, “Students consulted on the material, and not only that, but the design, the planters and all of that…. And, as Marian said, kids get to walk through school and learn their local history.”

“I was familiar with Marian’s story, but getting to know her over the last year and a-half, and us bringing life to all of this and humanizing all of it… [and] it’s just beautiful. I’m just really, really proud to work in a school district that commits to this and it’s one of the intangible things that make us happy doing our work.”

Asked what he thought of the day’s events, City Council member David Snyder said, “So, this is my 33rd year as a member on City Council and it’s great. I think over the years, we’ve done a better and better job." The garden and installations can help teach students that, “You can make your own destiny. You’re not tied to the mistakes of the past. And that with the right amount of education and commitment, you can make a difference, not only for yourself but for the larger world,” Snyder said.

Muralist Asia Anderson was bubbling with positive emotions for the occasion. “Oh my gosh. I feel warm inside,” she said. “You know, to be a part of this. This is a huge opportunity and it’s an important part of history for Falls Church. It’s been a long day coming and I’m really excited to see everything all together. Because this is my first time seeing the mural, the decals, the sculptures, and everything [in place]. I’ve only seen pictures of that.”

Asked about her artistic process for creating her mural, A Path of Her Own, Anderson said, “So, if this [is] a Peace Garden, I asked, ‘How can I create this focal point?’ And, from everything I had learned about Marian, and from talking to her, I knew her story and it was hard for her to be the only Black student to come here with the backlash she faced. She had to do that alone. So, the garden came in, and I was like, ‘She’s walking to school’" in the mural.

“I had to use one yearbook photo and I had to piece together what she would have looked like, what she would have worn during that time period,” Anderson continued. “But, since she was alone, physically alone, I didn’t want her to be alone during this walk. So, she's surrounded by life, elements that symbolize hope, like the sunflowers, the butterflies, and just life. And, it’s a great day. The sunshine is coming in and it’s a garden path as well as a runway, you know? Everyone described Marian as ‘sassy’ and having a whole lot of personality and she was fashionable. And I even made her skirt a little shorter than what they would have worn then. And she liked that and she wanted that.”

Anderson pointed out that in the mural Marian is clutching her books and her bag, but “she’s ready, and in her expression, she’s determined,” and strong, while being on guard.

MHS 9th-grader, Vivian Sotelino, was also moved by the opening of the Peace Garden, especially its accompanying artworks. “It was really cool. I was really excited to learn about this mural because I’m never on the 5th floor. So, just seeing it and taking in all of the information is really cool today…. It was really important to hear from Marian and to hear her story and I’ll definitely remember it through the rest of my years in high school. I’ll always remember this.”

What were Sotelino’s takeaways from the ceremony? “I think we should take away from this that our school is somewhere that’s very open to change. And, how far we’ve come in under a century is crazy! …. And I want students to reflect on [Marian’s] story and to realize it took a lot for our school to be this diverse today.”

Finally, in a full-circle historical moment, we spoke while strolling the new Peace Garden, with Marian Costner Selby’s niece, Debra Costner Grant. 

Asked how she felt seeing her aunt commemorated by the garden, Grant said, “Oh my gosh. It is absolutely amazing. I never imagined anything like this in life. I’m growing up here in Falls Church, Virginia, myself, so I’ve known her all my life. And a lot of things we didn’t talk about back in the day.... So, as you imagine, there might be sore spots you might want to forget about. But I couldn’t be prouder,” Grant continued. “I’m a George Mason alum, Class of 1985 and I was a cheerleader here for two and a-half years. I was here from 6th grade through 12th grade. 

With only two Black students in her 1985 graduating class, however, Grant nevertheless saw a lot of positive change in race relations, to which she gives great credit to her Aunt Marian. “There were only two of us in our graduating class, and just knowing that she had to go through so much more than I did, being a trailblazer like that.” 

But Grant’s memories of George Mason High School were quite positive, she said. “You know what? I wouldn’t have done anything different,” she insisted. “Just being at George Mason has a lot to do with the fabric of my life and, of course, I give all honor that [Marian] blazed the trail, but I just didn’t know what I had. When I was here, I never felt like I didn’t belong. My classmates were my best friends and we were all really tight…. I never felt anything, maybe because of what she did and what she had to go through.”

“To see my grandparents on the wall in the high school I graduated from, in addition to my aunt’s likeness and all these things, I just think it’s amazing," Grant added. "And, that’s something I never would have imagined.”

By Christopher Jones