Chris Jones: Greene Publishing, Inc.
In the movie White Squall, Captain Christopher “Skipper” Sheldon is referring to a special kind of character when he says “(it's) the kind you only find on mountaintops, and deserts, and battlefields, and across oceans.” Some would argue you could add classrooms to that list. Mr. Patrick White, Lead Teacher at James Madison Preparatory High School (JMPHS), possesses such character. He cut his teeth and worked the majority of his career in the world of education by teaching at inner-city schools in Atlanta. “The biggest thing that helped me teach those kids, and these kids in Madison, was to get them to trust me,” said White.
Patrick White, lead teacher at JMPHS, has been teaching for 23 years.
White, who received a Bachelor of Science degree in Education from Valdosta State University, teaches various social science classes at JMPHS, including American Government, American History, World History, and Economics; as well as the Honors classes for those subjects. As Lead Teacher, he acts as the liaison between teachers and the administration, and helps teachers new to JMPHS assimilate to the small size and unique culture of the school. White sponsors the Ambassador Program, which is a group of students, elected by staff, that act as chief servants for the school. Ambassadors learn the value of public service and attend all school events, acting as student hosts. White is also the senior class sponsor and student government sponsor.
White has been teaching for 23 years at schools in Georgia and Florida. This marks his third year at JMPHS. “I'm turning 51 this year,” White reflects, “and even though I have been at five schools in Georgia, I wound up where I'm supposed to be and I am blessed with a great opportunity to be at this school.” White, an avid Florida Gators fan, is married to Katherine “Kitty” White and they have five children between them.
This year will culminate with the first ever graduation at JMPHS for students who have spent all four years there. JMPHS is a tuition-free public charter school that was founded in 2013. In light of this significant event, White, as the Graduation Coordinator, has a very special program planned. There will be a military recognition segment, for students who have enlisted or committed to a branch of service, a scholarship recognition segment, recognition of honors and high honors awards, and the announcement of the school's first ever Salutatorian and Valedictorian.