The coastland times. [volume] (Mnateo [i.e. Manteo], N.C.) 1947-1959, 1953-03-13
PRAISES RECORD OF
SCHOOL SUPT. WHITE

49, . VI
rell's Supt. of Schools, w. ]. White
last Tuesday, the majority of the
people are wondering what has
happened to Tyrre1l in the way of
Democracy. There was a time when
mother could, regardless of fl
nancial circumstances, say to her
son or child: eff you try hard
enough, study and apply yourself,
you can get as high as you want,
even to be President of the United
States. Many time this saying
has been said with encouragement
resulting to the youth in so ap-
plying himself, even though the
prospects of a college education
were not so bright. Many a time
this saying has had much to do
in the making of statesmen who
did not enter a college, but who,
as history has shown, have been
able to chart the course for the
betterment and benefit of each
American individual.
1t seems now that diploma is
the only necessary item, regard
less of the mental application put
forth in obtaining said diploma.
Not meaning to discredit the re-
ceiving of diploma by anyone,
nor any college in giving them-a
person who has obtained this goal
should be commended, however, al
so should a person who literally
speaking, has pulled himself up
by-his-own-bootstraps in line men
tally, socially and religiously
with the ones at the top of the
Diploma Receiving Group, as has
aforementioned Mr.. White.
Knowing full we'll the political
pickering concerning his lack
of degree, which has taken place
among the minority group, and
which has carried several delega-
tons to Raleigh during two SEES
sions of Legislature during his te-
nure of office; and knowing that
within two years the school build
ing program which was already
begun in Tyrrell, would be COM
plete, Supt. White expressed at
that time, that for the good of the
schools and the children, he would
not seek reelection. = Hence his
resignation.
To review some of the features
of the office under his administra-
ton: He was elected for the first
time on March 1, 1913, filling the
unexpired term of w. 7. Crutch-
field, (who had left to join in the
services of his country, by spec
ial dispensation of the State Board
of Public Instruction, which after
reviewing Mr.. White and his po-
tentialities, allowed special legis-
ton to be passed for his employ.
He has been reelected each sue
ceeding term thereafter, having
served continuously for the past
ten years. During the war and
thereafter, when teacher shortages
were serious throughout the state
and nation, Supt. White managed
to keep qualified teachers in all
class rooms, most of which were
holding Grade A Certificates. At
the same time class rooms in some
places were empty, or being taught
by persons holding no certificates.
When he went in office, Gum Neck
Schools were split with factions,
there, now, harmony prevails.
During his term of office many i'm
provements have been made in the
Public Schools of Tyrrell County
from the standpoint of consolida-
tions; enlarged curriculum; student
government; new school buildings,
both white and colored equipped
with new and modern equipment
and furniture.
Not only has Mr.. Whites en-
deavors been confined to his du-
ties in the above capacity, but his
record of upbuilding and civic i'm
provements as well as religious, is
not excelled. He has held the fol-
lowing positions of capability and
trust in our community: Register
of Deeds for Tyrrell for four years;
Mayor Town of Columbia, two
terms; Chairman Board of Educa-
ton, one term; President of Rotary
Club, End year of it's Inaugural
ton; member of Rationing Board
during World War II; Chairman
Democratic Party, alternately sew
eral terms; President and Vice
President of Southern Albemarle
Association; Worthy Patron O.E.
S. Chapter 281; Volunteer worker,
filling out questionaires for SER
vice men World War II; member
Board of Stewards, Columbia Me-
thodist Church many years; teach
er Mems Bible Class in same church
for about 20 years and President
School Masters Club for this dis
trict on term.
Being we'll versed and good
speaker, he has been ever ready
when called on to be of help in any
program i.e., presenting Governors
or other high officials when here,
ably and with credit to himself