Montclair Public Schools and MFEE Partner to Expand 'True Blue Spirit' Initiative

The Montclair Public Schools (MPS) and Montclair Fund for Educational Excellence (MFEE) recently announced the District’s “True Blue Spirit” initiative to now include a variety of diverse student leadership events and trainings for school coaches.

Since “True Blue Spirit” was first launched in 2001, the initiative has raised over $4 million to assist in the renovation of the Furlong Field House, outfitting fitness and weight rooms, installing needed soccer, lacrosse and softball scoreboards and investment in other athletic program enhancements.

Using the District’s Strategic Plan as an anchor, the expansion of True Blue Spirit will look to invest and create public events and trainings to help enhance athletic leadership within the district.

“For years MFEE has been a powerhouse of support for teachers, students and the school district. We are grateful for their activism and passion for our schools,” saidMontclair Public Schools Superintendent Penny MacCormack. “MFEE’s True Blue Spirit initiative has ensured that our student athletes have some of the best facilities in the state, and this expansion into leadership development and training is something that will inspire others well beyond the athletic field while also assisting the goals of the district’s Strategic Plan. We are very excited to help implement these programs and events throughout the year and are thankful for MFEE’s vision and support.”

“Expanding the True Blue Spirit initiative to now sponsor leadership trainings for students and development days for coaches will be a significant asset,” said Jeff Gannon, Montclair High School Assistant Principal and Athletic Director. “We view these events as an opportunity to collaborate, develop new skill sets. I have great pride in our student athletes and our coaching staff. These events will ensure that their leadership and potential are fully maximized to serve our community.”

The leadership initiative will include a new Athletic Lecture Series being sponsored by the MHS Athletic Department, offering an integrated professional development program throughout the year for coaches, parents and students.

The first lecture and launch of the new initiative will take place on Tuesday, December 9 from 7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. in the LGI at Montclair High School, located at 100 Chestnut Street. It will showcase:

• John McCarthy, author of the book “What Would Yogi Do?”
• John Porcelli, former Montclair High School Athletic Director
• Larry Berra, Yogi Berra’s oldest son, Montclair High School athlete and graduate.

“True Blue Spirit was developed to create practical and needed initiatives that impact all student athletes,” said True Blue Spirit Coordinator Linda Bowers, also a former MHS athlete, alumni and current Montclair parent. “Whether it be bricks and mortar infrastructure or these new leadership development programs, our investments look to serve the entire Montclair community. Our new series of public events and programs will foster greater leadership development in the District.”

“Yogi Berra embodies all that is great in both athletic competition and the Montclair community,” Bowers continues. “Yogi’s leadership style is something that will be passed on through the generations and this launch event will be a fitting tribute to his legacy. In coming months, we will also fund special development opportunities for coaches, student-athlete college recruitment seminars and nutrition workshops for the community.”

Information Courtesy of Montclair Public Schools.