NCPA and Principal White Featured by WSYX ABC 6
Thanks to the team at WSYX ABC 6 for featuring us! Read the full story at abc6onyourside.com.
Columbus principal strives to keep students off the streets and in school
By: WSYX Staff | Thu, November 21st 2024
Ernest White, the principal of North Columbus Preparatory Academy, is determined to ensure his students do not follow a path of crime, especially in light of a recent incident involving a 16-year-old charged with murder in Northeast Columbus.
Although the teenager did not attend his school, White is committed to preventing similar outcomes for his students.
“We want to set that tone of knowing things you’ll need to be prepared for out in the community,” White said.
One of White’s top priorities is keeping students in school and off the streets.
“Let’s find out what’s going on. Why aren’t they here? Reach out to the families. I even go out and knock on doors to see where our students are at,” White added.
White, who was a corrections officer before becoming an educator, shared his experiences with young offenders to highlight the importance of education.
“The youngest offender that I had ever seen was 16-years-old. He was just getting ready to turn 17. But they gave him a charge as an adult,” he said.
He uses these experiences to mentor families and students, recounting a story of a troubled young man who sought trouble to see his incarcerated father.
“There was a young man. He would get in trouble. He stole his mom’s car, almost hit a cop car. Broke into the school, stole a tractor and he was failing in everything,” White said. “He was getting in trouble because he thought if he got in trouble, he would go to jail and get to see his dad.”
While White was able to help that student get back on track, he acknowledges his influence is limited to the school environment.
“When we are not in school, you are wondering if they are okay. You worry about their safety and are making good sound decisions,” White said.
White emphasizes the importance of collaboration with parents, caretakers, and community organizations to monitor and support the youth in the community.
