The Stoddard Award
Honoring extraordinary stewardship of the Marginal Way
In memory of Judith and Donald Stoddard—and in tribute to their family’s deep generosity—the Marginal Way Preservation Fund established the Annual Stoddard Award to honor individuals who have generously given their time, talent, and passion to preserve and enhance Ogunquit’s beloved Marginal Way.
Each year, this award recognizes those whose leadership, volunteerism, and vision have left a lasting impact on this treasured coastal path.
Paul Breen, 2022
Paul was an original member of the Marginal Way Preservation Fund and left the Fund in retirement in 2021 after proving years of passion and dedication to the Marginal Way and mission of the Fund. His service to the Marginal Way has spanned over the course of ten plus years to both the Preservation Fund and the Marginal Way Town Committee where he was actively involved in fundraising for the endowment and growing it to over a million dollar, projects for repairs and beautification along the path, and seeking grants to help support the preservation needs of the Marginal Way.
The Marginal Way has benefited significantly over the years thanks to Paul's extraordinary support and we are honored to present him as the Stoddard Award recipient for 2022.
Barbara O’Leary, 2023
Barbara O’Leary was honored with the 2023 Annual Stoddard Award for her and her late husband Richard’s outstanding service and leadership in support of the Marginal Way and its preservation. The O’Learys have long been devoted advocates for the Marginal Way Preservation Fund’s mission, contributing to numerous projects, including the renovation of the Lobster Point Lighthouse.
Barbara has personally dedicated over a decade of her time, talent, and passion to the Fund, significantly enriching the Ogunquit community. Notably, she played a key role in naming the Marginal Way Plaque Site of Serenity Point.
The Barbara and Richard O’Leary Foundation’s philanthropy has made a profound impact and has greatly benefited the Marginal Way.
Helen Horn, 2024
The Fund was proud to announce Helen Horn as the 2024 recipient of the Stoddard Award. For over a decade, Helen served—and later led—the Marginal Way Committee, where her dedication and leadership left a lasting legacy. She helped ensure continuity by bringing in Joan Griswold as her successor and played a pivotal role in preserving the path during some of its most vulnerable moments.
In 2007, when the Mother’s Day Storm severely damaged the Marginal Way, it was Helen who stepped forward to lead a major fundraising effort to save and restore the beloved walkway. Her legendary knowledge of the seacoast’s native flora and fauna enriched every aspect of the Marginal Way, and much of what it is today stands upon the foundation she so thoughtfully laid.
Without Helen’s tireless efforts and unwavering commitment, the Marginal Way as we know it may not exist today. With deep appreciation and admiration, the Marginal Way Preservation Fund proudly honors Helen Horn.