The Montclair Fund for Educational Excellence congratulates Caleb Lange-Roberson, an eighth grader at Glenfield Middle School and the inaugural recipient of the Jackson Lightfoot Whitsett Memorial Fund Award.
Lange-Roberson, (pictured above with Glenfield teacher Syreeta Carrington), was selected for this honor by Glenfield staff and received a $100 cash award for embodying the spirit of Jackson Lightfoot Whitsett, for whom the award is named.
Lightfoot Whitsett graduated from Glenfield, was active in dance and cheerleading at Montclair High School, and inspired others to unapologetically celebrate their unique identity. Lightfoot Whitsett co-founded the Glenfield Gay/Straight Alliance (now known as the Gender and Sexuality Alliance). The Memorial Fund was established in 2023 to honor his life and legacy.
“Jackson would flash that big, bright smile knowing that the club he started now serves a growing group of teens who are following the trail he blazed years ago,” said Margaret Lightfoot Whitsett, Jackson’s mother and a former MFEE board member. “We are so pleased to recognize Caleb as the first recipient of this award, and for shining more love and light in the world.”
MFEE raises money through the JLWMF with the goal of supporting and creating safe spaces for LGBTQ+ youth across the Montclair Public Schools. MFEE is currently working with Glenfield administrators and The Trevor Project, a non-profit organization that provides suicide prevention, crisis support, research and advocacy for LGBTQ+ young people, to design and implement professional development training for Glenfield staff in the coming months.
“We are proud to honor Jackson’s life by fostering greater inclusivity in our schools,” said Masiel Rodriquez-Vars, executive director of MFEE. “We hope to expand this important staff training to Montclair High School and other middle schools, as well.”
Click here to learn more and support this donor-dedicated fund.
