by: Amberly Centeno

In just five words, Kentrelle White describes himself as a leader, good communicator, passionate, observant and overall, a good person. But the people around him would describe him as even more then just those words. They see White as someone who is impactful in their lives, whether its as little as getting encouragement to show up to practice, or the motivation to keep pushing through tough times. Kentrlle embodies others to feel seen, heard, and supported.

Through his experiences at Lee County High School, we can understand the significance of overcoming personal adversity, the importance of role models, and how an individual can impact others by offering support and guidance during their times of need.

For White, his biggest accomplishment wasn’t just about an academic or athletic validation, but an opportunity he was given.

“Going to college and my mom not having to pay anything out of pocket” is the achievement he was the most proud about. White will attend UNC-Pembroke on an athletic scholarship to continue his academic and football careers.

It wasn’t just his hard work that he was proud of, but being able to give back to the woman who raised him, sacrificed for him. He carries the sacrifices his mother made for him to push him to be disciplined, in being and doing the best.

The family first mindset runs deep for White. With one of the most significant moments in his life being when he lost his stepfather two years ago. The pain the he felt, losing someone who was impactful in his life, and having to watch his family face the pain as well, gave him a heart of compassion and deep love for those facing difficult times.

When he meets people, he wants them to see him as “trustworthy”, that even though his appearance comes across as intimidating and scary, that people would feel like they could come to him as friend, a teammate, a brother. He could try his best to help them through their struggles.

His biggest role models are his godparents. All though his godmother had a huge impact on him in his childhood, his godfather was someone he always had as a guide through tough times in his younger years.

From a young age, White was always seen as special. Fellow senior and football teammate Raymond Knotts recalled meeting White at 8-years-old. The first impression Knotts got from White was that he was “big.” For many, this might have made White seem scary or unfriendly, but Knotts said that he wasn’t scared of his size, because of the kindness and compassion he carried within him.

Knotts had the privilege to be the senior offensive lineman’s teammate since they were young, and as the years went by it became hard for Knotts to stay on track, with staying disciplined and determined. White saw his friend need an extra push and motivation, so he kept Knotts accountable, and reminded him that he had to keep pushing. Knotts saw White as someone “who will always make sure you’re doing the right thing.”

Knotts has a heart full of gratitude for White, saying that “without him pushing me, I don’t think I would be going to play college (football).” This comes to show the teammate White is. He’s not just centered around his own dreams and goals, but takes the time to help push others around him to achieve their best selves, to help them stay focused on their dreams.

Knotts was no the only teammate impacted by White’s impactful and encouraging presence. Drake Brown met White at 5-years-old. Brown states that the first time time seeing his friend, he knew he was “special.” Brown says that White could come off as intimidating or scary, but when anyone meets White, they get to know him for the kindness and caring nature in his heart. The standout student shuts down the stereotype that being big and strong means you are harsh, and that is why he stands out beyond just his appearance. Brown’s thoughts on White resemble an even deeper level of how his presence both physically and emotionally, is a source of comfort and strength for those around him.

One of the most intriguing things about White is his ability to help people get through their struggles and trials. Brown remembers the biggest motivation White gave him was “Don’t stop keep going.” These simple words kept Brown going after he hit a low point and felt like he couldn’t keep going. He wanted to quit playing football, a deep love an passion of his. White came to his friend as a voice of reasoning and reminded him “dont give up, your time is coming.” Taking the advice from his big friend, Brown decided not to give up and keep pushing. Brown was the leading rusher for the Yellow Jackets this season, with White literally leading the way for him on the field.

Both Knotts and Brown have had breakthroughs in their lives and they both have a heart of gratitude for White, who helped them overcome their battles. He was not just a teammate or a friend to them but a voice of reasoning and guidance.

White doesn’t just talk about his strength, he shares it. His advice to freshmen who feel lost or trapped is that they should find something they love and cherish deeply to stay focused on it with everything they have. If you have a positive distraction during times of struggles, the key to keep rising above them.

White’s tough mentality and compassionate heart is rooted in his faith, continuously looking back on John 13:17 “Jesus replied ‘you do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand.” This shows where White gets his perseverance from and mindset of that even through confusion and pain, there is purpose and growth.

White continually shows that leadership isn’t just about one’s own titles or accomplishments, it is deeper than that. It’s being supportive of the people around you, to help them achieve their goals, to want to see others succeed despite your own trials and tribulations.

White is a true leader, on the football field, in the classroom and in the halls as he prepares to leave LCHS for the last time as a student. Through his quiet strength, compassion and unwavering belief in others, White continues to shape lives of those around him while keeping a humble heart. He may look tough, harsh, and mean but those who know him and have been impacted by his presence know he is a good man, a true friend, and an example of what it means to lead with not just strength but with heart and passion.