Honoring a Legacy Along the Lake
- The Reston Letter Staff
- Nov 14
- 1 min read
Submitted by Sunset Hills Montessori School
On a windy but beautiful morning along Lake Thoreau, members of Sunset Hills Montessori School (SHMS) gathered with Joe Minarik, husband of the late founder Eileen Minarik, to dedicate a new bench in her honor through the Friends of Reston Adopt-A-Bench program.
Surrounded by longtime SHMS teachers, staff, and Friends of Reston board member Juan Salazar, the small gathering marked the second anniversary of Eileen's passing and reflected on the lasting impact of her work in Montessori education and the Reston community.
Eileen and Joe moved to Reston in 1974, quickly becoming part of the town’s early, close-knit community. In 1994, Eileen founded SHMS, which continues to thrive today.
Her bench now rests on Bob’s Point, overlooking the lake and within view of the school she founded. It is a peaceful spot, inviting residents and visitors alike to pause, reflect, and take in the same beauty that inspired her life's work.
The bench offers a place of quiet reflection and connection for all who stop to rest, think, or simply watch the light dance across the lake—much as Eileen did for decades.
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