As a National Honor Society member involved in multiple extracurricular activities and community service projects, Madison Rackett probably didn’t need to add any more responsibilities to her already frenetic schedule.
But when the century-old New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association created a four-season calendar during the coronavirus pandemic-impacted 2020-21 academic year, Rackett used the opportunity to become the first four-sport female varsity letterwinner in Woodbridge High School history.
Rackett, who captained the volleyball and softball teams, also played basketball and soccer (her fourth sport), all while making the honor roll every semester in high school.
She was a member of Woodbridge’s Interact and Ecology clubs and participated in the high school’s Safety Ambassadors and Heroes and Cool Kids programs. In addition, Rackett took college-level courses to earn college credits, extensively volunteered within the township community, and tutored high school students during her lunch period.
Rackett is the recipient of a 2023 Marisa Tufaro Foundation Greater Middlesex Conference Student-Athlete Scholarship, awarded to a graduating senior who has overcome adversity, strives for excellence academically and athletically, and engages in volunteerism to make a difference in the lives of others.
“With so many activities and a strong focus on maintaining her grades, it is easy to see that Madison has organized her priorities, which extend beyond the campus of Woodbridge High School,” said Brielle Small, a special education teacher at Woodbridge who also serves as faculty advisor to the high school’s Safety Ambassador program.
“I have watched Madison grow from a quiet freshman into a confident and outgoing senior. She lights up any room that she walks into. Through her positive energy and willingness to learn, it is obvious that Madison will be successful in everything she wants to accomplish.”
Rackett has overcome obstacles to excel in the classroom, in scholastic sports competition, and in the community.
After developing serious stomach problems in middle school, she was subsequently diagnosed with celiac disease, “a serious autoimmune disease that occurs in genetically predisposed people where the ingestion of gluten leads to damage in the small intestine,” according to the Celiac Disease Foundation.
“Over time, this reaction damages your small intestine’s lining and prevents it from absorbing some nutrients,” according to the Mayo Clinic. “The intestinal damage often causes diarrhea, fatigue, weight loss, bloating and anemia, and can lead to serious complications. In children, malabsorption can affect growth and development. There’s no cure for celiac disease, but for most people, following a strict gluten-free diet can help manage symptoms and promote intestinal healing.”
“Madison has the character to overcome obstacles and adversity while still managing to keep a smile on her face,” said Courtney Murgittroyd, who teaches business and coaches softball at the high school.
“Having the privilege to teach and coach Madison and watch her participate in other extracurriculars, she has shown me the characteristics of both a great academic student and leader. She is organized, focused, sees the world’s issues and is determined to make it a better place. It is rare to find a student that is passionate about not only her own success but of those around her.”
Through club involvement, Rackett has volunteered her time and energy to collect trash and beautify a local waterfront park and other parks within the township. She has volunteered with Woodbridge Little League to coach softball and with the Woodbridge Food Pantry to organize and distribute food to local families at Thanksgiving. As a safety ambassador, she visited a township elementary school to teach children about safety. Rackett also worked with children 5 to 14 years old as a camp counselor for the Woodbridge Township Recreation Department.
The community service project closest to her heart, however, was visiting local middle schools to teach valuable life lessons to students through the Heroes and Cool Kids program, which made a profound impact on Rackett when she was younger.
“In sixth grade, the Woodbridge High School Heroes and Cool Kids came and visited my classroom and I will never forget it,” Rackett explained. “I remember idolizing those seniors standing at the front of the room. After school, I ran home and told my parents all about their visit and couldn’t wait for them to come back. As a child who was impacted by this community service, I can say that the children who are lucky enough to experience this program are taught a lot.”
Of all her extracurricular involvement, Rackett said interacting with children has been the most meaningful. Rackett said she receives more than she gives.
“The experiences I have encountered have made me feel amazing,” she said. “Seeing a child’s face light up never gets old. For some of the children our programs visit, we are literal heroes to them. They look up to us being a good role model, which is very important. Both the children and I will walk away from our visits learning something new.”
Woodbridge Township Board of Education Vice President Dan Harris said Rackett possesses a genuine enthusiasm and excitement for working with peers, younger students and being a good citizen.
“Whether a rockstar scholar-athlete, supporting local anti-litter campaigns or tutoring fellow Barrons during her lunch, Madison is one of those All-American types who leads and succeeds by example and is a positive role model for her classmates, teammates and friends,” Harris said.
Rackett will commence her college career at Middlesex College with the ultimate goal of becoming a radiologist.
“I believe she will be nothing but successful,” Small said. “She will continue helping others the way she has for the past four years at Woodbridge High School.”