Jackson's greatest gift to the world was inspiring others to love and unapologetically celebrate their unique identity.  

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Jackson Lightfoot Whitsett brought joy and light to many before his death on January 17, 2023, at the age of 27. 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 (JLWMF) was established in 2023 to honor his life and legacy.

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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. 

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In June 2024, Caleb Lange-Roberson, an eighth grader at Glenfield Middle School, was the inaugural recipient of the Jackson Lightfoot Whitsett Memorial Fund Award. Lange-Roberson was selected for this honor by Glenfield staff for embodying the spirit of Jackson Lightfoot Whitsett.

 

MFEE is proud to honor Jackson’s life by fostering greater inclusivity in our schools.

 

Click here to support this donor-dedicated fund.​​