Aaron Cooper, Head of School at New Canaan Country School (NCCS), received the esteemed Andrew Clarkson Award at the annual Horizons National conference in Asheville, NC, on February 27. Presented by Horizons National CEO Lorna Smith, the award is a recognition of dedication, embodying the Horizons mission, and impactful work across the Horizons Network. This accolade holds special significance as NCCS, celebrating its 60th anniversary this year, established the inaugural Horizons program site, which has since expanded to over 71 locations across 20 states.
In his acceptance speech, Cooper paid tribute to the founders of the Horizons program at NCCS. He highlighted the early efforts of the school’s educators, led by former Head of School George Stevens, in 1964. Their initiative aimed to provide academic and extracurricular opportunities, including swimming lessons, to students from underserved communities using the resources of NCCS. This initiative was pioneering in its time, predating the National Association of Independent Schools’ recognition of diverse learning environments as a best practice.
Cooper emphasized the role of Lyn McNaught in expanding the Horizons program beyond NCCS, leading to the establishment of Horizons National. He acknowledged the vision and support that brought Horizons to life six decades ago and helped it grow to its current scale. Cooper expressed his and Executive Director Nancy von Euler’s commitment to continuing and expanding the impact of this vision at NCCS.
The Andrew Clarkson Award, named in honor of a significant figure in the Horizons community, is a testament to the sustained impact and growth of the Horizons program. The recognition of Cooper’s leadership and the foundational work of NCCS in this field underscores the ongoing relevance and importance of educational initiatives aimed at enhancing opportunities for under-resourced students.
The Horizons program, since its inception at NCCS, has been instrumental in providing educational enrichment to students from diverse backgrounds. It stands as a model of how educational institutions can leverage their resources for community betterment and social equity. The expansion of this program into a national network further illustrates the scalability and adaptability of such educational initiatives.
As Horizons continues to evolve and impact more communities, the foundational principles laid down by its early pioneers remain at its core. Aaron Cooper’s recognition by Horizons National not only celebrates past achievements but also looks forward to future advancements in educational inclusivity and diversity.”
