In a heartfelt tribute during the March 11, 2025, School Board meeting, the Falls Church City School Board surprised Superintendent Dr. Peter J. Noonan with a proposal to name the Learning Stairs at Meridian High School in his honor. The announcement came as Dr. Noonan prepares to retire after nine years of distinguished leadership as Superintendent of Falls Church City Public Schools.
The Learning Stairs is a central gathering space at Meridian High School that has become a vibrant hub for student collaboration, presentations, and community events. School Board Chair Tate Gould read a formal letter proposing "The Dr. Peter J. Noonan Learning Stairs" as a fitting tribute to Dr. Noonan's contributions to the district.
"Dr. Noonan's leadership has been instrumental in the design and construction of the new Meridian High School, which opened in 2021," the letter continued. "The Learning Stairs represent more than just a physical space—they embody Dr. Noonan's educational philosophy that emphasizes community, collaboration, and innovative approaches to learning."
The surprise began with the screening of a special 'reveal' video featuring Meridian Junior Catherine Buchholz's creation of a piece of art.
Following the video, School Board Chair Tate Gould read a formal letter proposing "The Dr. Peter J. Noonan Learning Stairs" as a fitting tribute to Dr. Noonan's contributions to the district.
"I honestly don't know what to say, and that's unusual for me," a visibly moved Dr. Noonan responded. "What an honor and what a privilege to have worked in such a great place that has such great leaders and such great kids."
"The Learning Stairs is more than just a physical space. It is a vibrant hub where students gather, ideas are exchanged, and informal learning flourishes," stated the School Board's letter. "It is a place where talks are held, connections are forged, and curiosity is nurtured—values that Dr. Noonan has championed throughout his tenure."
The naming process will follow School Board Policy 4.25, which governs the naming of specific areas of school facilities. The proposal will be formally presented as a resolution at the April School Board meeting, where the public will have an opportunity to comment. The Board is expected to vote on the resolution in May, with a formal dedication ceremony planned for June.
During Dr. Noonan's tenure as Superintendent, Falls Church City Public Schools has achieved numerous milestones, including the successful renovation and construction of all school buildings, full International Baccalaureate authorization across all schools, and consistent recognition as one of Virginia's top-performing school divisions.
The proposed naming of the Learning Stairs will serve as a lasting testament to Dr. Noonan's legacy and impact on the Falls Church City Public Schools community.
"This dedication will be a lasting testament to his legacy, inspiring future generations of students to pursue knowledge with the same passion and purpose he exemplified," concluded the Board's letter.
About the Video
The reveal video showcased at the meeting was the result of a unique collaborative effort across the FCCPS community. Unlike a traditional presentation, this project documented the actual creation of Catherine's artwork from start to finish, filmed over the course of a week in the studios of Falls Church Community Television (FCCTV), which is housed within Meridian High School.
The concept originated with Communications Director John Wesley Brett, who envisioned capturing the artistic process as a meaningful way to honor Dr. Noonan's legacy. To bring this vision to life, Art Teacher Sarah Gurgo reached out to talented Meridian student Catherine Buchholz, who is well-known throughout the school for her exceptional artistic abilities and calligraphy skills. Catherine enthusiastically agreed to create the artistic rendering of the Learning Stairs while having her creative process documented on camera.
John collaborated with Justin Steigely at Falls Church Community Television to film and edit the artistic journey. Justin's expertise in visual storytelling allowed viewers to witness each brushstroke and design decision that went into creating the final piece that was presented to Dr. Noonan during the meeting.
The final result exceeded all expectations, creating a touching tribute that visibly moved Dr. Noonan and perfectly framed the School Board's proposal. Both the time-lapse documentation of the artwork's creation and the finished piece itself exemplify the creative talent and collaborative spirit that Dr. Noonan has fostered throughout the district during his tenure.