Who is George White?
George White served as a member of the Capistrano Unified School District Board of Trustees for twelve years, from 1971 through 1983. While a Trustee, he served three terms as president of the School Board and three terms as vice president. He also served as both president and vice president of the Capistrano-Laguna Beach Regional Occupation Program Board of Directors and was a member of the California State PTA since 1954. He was presented an Honorary Service Award by the Capistrano Unified Council of PTSAs for his support of education in our community.
George White's involvement in other community service organizations included the booster clubs of Dana Hills High School, Capistrano Valley High School, Saddleback College, San Clemente Rotary Club, the Capistrano Beach Chamber of Commerce, and the San Clemente American Legion.
George White was very active over the years supporting state and federal legislation for education including that for handicapped persons. Far in advance of the enactment of Public Law 94-142, which gave all handicapped students the right to a free and appropriate public education, he was a pioneer in the movement for the rights of the handicapped. As a school board member, particular focus was given to children with exceptional needs. George White was a member of the State Department of Education Advisory Committee for the Development Center for the Handicapped, appointed by then State Superintendent of Public Instruction, Wilson Riles. He was co-founder and director of Listening Ears Hotline and served as a hotline volunteer and a member of the Board of Directors. In addition, he was a member of the Social Programs Advisory Committee serving as the appointee of Orange County Supervisor Thomas Riley.
There are many personal qualities that George White possessed which made him an extraordinary person. He was an extremely compassionate and understanding human being, in part, this may have stemmed from the fact that since World War II he was a paraplegic. From his life experiences, he developed a keen sense of understanding and empathy for all those whom he was associated.
Mr. George L. White was introduced at the ground breaking ceremony in Spring of 1990. A memorial service was held in the school's library when he passed away in 1993. His two daughters and grandchildren were special guests at our National Blue Ribbon Ceremony in 1997.
The staff and students at George L. White Elementary School are very proud to have him as the school's namesake.