In Loving Memory of Marcia Holland

A Trailblazer in Gifted Education Advocacy

Washington’s highly capable education landscape would not be what it is today without Marcia Holland.

Marcia was more than an advocate—she was a visionary, a mentor, a relentless champion for gifted children and their families, and a foundational force in shaping equitable access to advanced learning in Washington State. Her life’s work has left an enduring legacy that continues to inspire and guide the advocacy community.

In 2023, Marcia received the Barbra Poyneer Advocacy Award, one of the state’s highest honors for those who elevate gifted education at the district, state, and national levels. This recognition came not only as a testament to her lifelong commitment but also as a celebration of her impact—an impact she lived to see and that lives on far beyond her passing.

For decades, Marcia served as a cornerstone of the gifted education movement in Washington. She co-founded the Northwest Gifted Child Association (NWGCA) over 60 years ago, building it into a trusted and enduring resource for families. She remained an active voice in the organization throughout her life. She also served with great dedication on the Washington Coalition for Gifted Education, where her insight and resolve helped shaped key statewide efforts.

Among her many accomplishments, Marcia was instrumental in the passage of SSB 5072, a groundbreaking law that implemented universal screening for highly capable services in elementary schools across Washington. Her leadership helped ensure that gifted students from all backgrounds would have the opportunity to be identified and supported, removing barriers that had long stood in the way of equity in education.

But Marcia’s influence reached beyond policy. She believed deeply in the power of parents as advocates and worked tirelessly to cultivate leadership within the gifted community. Her efforts have empowered generations of families to find their voices and stand up for their children’s needs—and for the needs of others.

Marcia approached her work with quiet determination, deep compassion, and a fierce sense of justice. She was often the first to arrive, the last to leave, and the one holding the thread that wove grassroots efforts into statewide change. Her legacy is felt in every classroom that recognizes gifted learners, in every school that screens equitably, and in every child whose potential is now seen and nurtured.

Though Marcia has passed, the work she set in motion continues. She lit the path—and we walk it because of her.

With gratitude and remembrance, we honor the life and legacy of Marcia Holland.