How Did Montclair Shape You?

As part of our 2025-26 Annual Appeal, the Montclair Fund for Educational Excellence is asking members of our community to reflect on how the Montclair Public Schools helped shape the people they've become. We asked them to complete this sentence: "Montclair makes us ____.” Check out the below spotlights, and donate to ensure that ALL Montclair students have a strong foundation from which to grow.

Montclair Makes Us Explorers

"As a high school student, I had the opportunity to explore a wide range of interests—from AP Calculus and studying the economy to playing field hockey and learning French. Those experiences shaped far more than my college choices; they gave me confidence and an awareness of what was possible. I built a career in finance and economics after discovering the field through Fed Challenge. I gained self esteem and resilience through field hockey. Most importantly, I was able to explore in a supportive, low-stakes environment that helped me learn who I was. Now, as a Montclair parent, I hope these same opportunities continue to be available for my daughters and for future generations of students. -  Dara Blume Clewey, Montclair High School graduate and current MPS parent

Montclair Makes Us Empathetic Leaders

"You learn from kindergarten that speaking up, showing compassion and being a good steward in-community is vital to a thriving town. Our teachers and parents modeled it first! Montclair is special for recognizing different learning styles, different cultures and celebrations, and many ways to give back! Sometimes it’s cleaning up your own parks, maybe it’s helping those who have less than you do, but most importantly, it’s being kind and helpful to neighbors, family, and strangers alike. Those lessons are so needed today, and I’m glad Montclair taught them to me and my children!" -  Ghana Hylton, Montclair High School graduate and longtime MFEE volunteer