- Massachusetts Commission on LGBTQ Youth
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Shaplaie Brooks, Executive Director
Yesterday, during its FY 2027 Annual Recommendations Release Ceremony at the Massachusetts State House, the Massachusetts Commission on LGBTQ Youth proudly announced the recipients of the 2026 Jeff Perrotti LGBTQ+ Student Leadership Award. These ten exceptional high school students have demonstrated outstanding leadership, advocacy, and a deep commitment to creating more inclusive, affirming school communities for LGBTQ+ youth across the Commonwealth.
Now in its fourth year, the award honors Jeff Perrotti, founding director of the Safe Schools Program for LGBTQ Students. Jeff’s decades of service helped establish Massachusetts as a national leader in LGBTQ+ youth support within education.
Each recipient will receive a $4,000 scholarship to support their continued education at an accredited institution.
This year’s honorees are:
Lucas Berg, Woburn Memorial High School
“We are extremely proud of Lucas, who has been an extraordinary leader for the Woburn Memorial High School Spectrum Club and within the school community. Through his advocacy, compassion, and commitment to inclusion, he has helped create a school environment where LGBTQ+ students feel seen, supported, and valued. Whether leading presentations, organizing events, or mentoring younger students, Lucas consistently demonstrates the courage, empathy, and leadership needed to create meaningful change both within our school and throughout the broader community.”
— Thomas Qualey, Principal, Woburn Memorial High School
Eylon Craghead-Goldman, Milton High School
"Eylon thrives as a leader due to his empathy, incredible creativity, and his willingness to do the hard work to try to influence big changes in the world and improve lives for queer youth."
— Ms. Norton, Advisory Teacher, Milton High School
Phoenix Duggan, Blue Hills Regional Technical High School
“Phoenix Duggan represents the very best of what our Blue Hills strives to foster: brilliant technical capability, unmatched academic excellence, and a profound commitment to community. As a leader within our school, Phoenix doesn’t just excel individually; they actively lift up those around them, modeling integrity, inclusivity, and service every single day. I am immensely proud to support Phoenix for the Jeff Perrotti LGBTQ+ Leadership Award, as they truly embody the courageous, transformative leadership our future needs.”
— Jill Rossetti, Superintendent-Director, Blue Hills Regional Technical High School
Finch Ferreira, Brookline High School
“Finch Ferreira is a brilliant young person who has both been an incredibly successful student at Brookline High School and an impactful leader of our school's Queer Student Program (QSP) and larger community. While Finch always remains calm and collected, they are a powerhouse and changemaker. Finch has mentored new members of our Queer Student Advisory and has pushed school administrators to expand our All User Bathrooms and improve the signage designating these spaces.”
— Anthony Meyer, Head of School, Brookline High School
Jakeline Fuentes Lopez, Northeast Metropolitan Technical High School
“Jakeline Fuentes Lopez is a senior in Dental Assisting from Chelsea who embodies all that Northeast represents. Mature beyond her years, Jakeline has been an outstanding advocate for the LGBTQ+ community, consistently promoting kindness, inclusivity, and respect for everyone. Through her leadership in the Equality Club and her volunteer efforts both in and out of school, including organizing clothing drives and fundraisers for those in need, she has made an indelible impact on our school community. Jakeline is passionate about advocating for changes that help LGBTQ+ students feel accepted, supported, and welcomed. She leads by example and is driven to make the world around her a better place. Jakeline is most deserving of the 2026 Jeff Perrotti LGBTQ+ Leadership Award.”
— Richard Barden, Principal, Northeast Metropolitan Regional Vocational High School
Finn Graham, Cambridge Rindge and Latin School
“This award is an enormous honor for Finn, and speaks volumes for his advocacy on behalf of his peers here at CRLS, and the LGBTQ+ community as a whole. We are extremely proud of Finn's academic achievement in addition to the honor and recognition he has rightfully earned for his service beyond the school community. Congratulations, Finn, and to all the other Massachusetts honorees."
— Allan Gately Gehant, Interim Principal, Cambridge Rindge and Latin School
Nuriel Gutman, Boston Latin Academy
“At Boston Public Schools, we believe student voices are essential to creating inclusive and affirming learning environments where every student feels empowered and knows they belong. Nuriel Gutman’s recognition with the 2026 Jeff Perrotti LGBTQ+ Leadership Award is a powerful reflection of their leadership and commitment to building a school community where every student feels seen, valued, and supported. We are incredibly proud of Nuriel and grateful for the positive impact they have had on their peers, their school community, and the broader Commonwealth.”
— Mary Skipper, Boston Public Schools Superintendent
Samantha Lee, John D O'Bryant High School
“Samantha not only excels academically, but also uplifts others with purpose and courage. She embodies the very heart of the Jeff Perrotti LGBTQ+ Student Leadership Award: a steadfast commitment to inclusion, advocacy, and community. Samantha's leadership has made the O'Bryant a more affirming and compassionate place, and I have no doubt she will continue to create meaningful change far beyond our walls.”
— Patreka J. Wood, Head of School, John D. O'Bryant School of Mathematics and Science
Brett Sheldon, Somerville High School
“Somerville High School is incredibly lucky to have Brett Sheldon as part of our community. His passion for justice and commitment to making a difference serve as an inspiration to students and staff alike. We are so proud to see him recognized.”
— Dr. Alicia Kersten, Principal, Somerville High School
Leyeti Ward, Amherst Regional High School
“Leyeti Ward exemplifies what it means to lead with authenticity, compassion, talent, and courage. Through her extraordinary musical gifts, positive spirit, and unwavering commitment to being fully herself, she has created spaces where others feel seen, valued, and inspired. Leyeti is not only an exceptional student and artist, but also a model of inclusive leadership and humanity for her peers and our broader school community. We are incredibly proud of her recognition as a recipient of the 2026 Jeff Perrotti LGBTQ+ Leadership Award and excited to see the impact she will continue to make in the world.”
— Dr. E. Xiomara Herman, Superintendent, Amherst Pelham School District
“For the Massachusetts Commission on LGBTQ Youth, the Jeff Perrotti Scholarship is an unapologetic declaration that the lives, leadership, and brilliance of LGBTQ+ young people remain worthy of investment, no matter the political climate. It is both a vow of protection to LGBTQ+ students’ and a promise to those who would seek their erasure: The Massachusetts Commission on LGBTQ Youth will never stop investing in their future defiance against oppression.” said Shaplaie Brooks, Executive Director of the Massachusetts Commission on LGBTQ Youth.
Jason Wheeler, Director of the Safe Schools Program for LGBTQ Students, shared: “The 2026 Jeff Perrotti LGBTQ+ Student Leadership Award recipients reflect the strength, courage, and vision of young people across Massachusetts who are working every day to make schools safer, more affirming, and more joyful for LGBTQ+ students. At a time when standing up for dignity, belonging, and authenticity is especially meaningful, these students continue to lead with heart and purpose. We are deeply grateful for their leadership and remain committed to supporting, uplifting, and caring for young people across the Commonwealth.”
The Commission congratulates the 2026 recipients and looks forward to seeing the continued impact of their leadership in the years to come.
Learn more about the Massachusetts Commission on LGBTQ Youth and its ongoing work.
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