Like one in five American teens, Port Neches-Groves High School senior Maverik White has struggled with depression in a post-COVID climate – causing a struggle with studies, too. Still, thanks to a drive to succeed, and the support of family and educators, White is not only graduating with his class this fall, he is also planning to attend college and pursue a career in aviation.
At a “Shining Star” reception held in White’s honor May 14, host Pct. 7 Justice of the Peace Brad Burnett opened his courtroom for a celebration honoring a comeback of soaring proportions.
“I have seen many students make big transformations in the last few years,” Burnett shared. In fact, as evidenced by an ever-growing commemorative plaque bearing the names of Shining Star recipients over the years, the original parameters are overflowing. “Many Shining Star success stories really help motivate others to stay in school and reach their potential.
“They all make us proud, from receiving a heroic certificate of commendation by the U.S. Marines to moving on and excelling in college or their job. Each accomplishment is just as significant. Port Neches Groves recipient Maverik White has triumphed over hardships and will be very successful, you just watch and see!”
Since 2003, Burnett has annually bestowed the Shining Star award to high school students overcoming challenges and taking advantage of opportunities to accomplish a major turnaround. Students are nominated by a teacher, counselor, school police officer or principal from Nederland or Port Neches-Groves high schools. According to the judge, the yearly event is a highlight of great pomp in his office, and he basks in the light of reading nominations – stories replete with tragedy and redemption, success stories that can “motivate younger students and those that have lost their way.”
White’s path to Shining Star-dom has not been an easy road to trod. Port Neches-Groves High School Assistant Principal Amber Oleksy wrote that she was aware of the passing of White’s mother while the student was in middle school. The loss, which came just months before the world shut down amid COVID-19 in the pre-teen’s 7th-grade year, “impacted his attendance and took its toll on his mental health,” Olesky described of White’s trajectory.
“He was able to maintain his grades, but his life was understandably different and difficult for him to navigate without his mom,” she said.
Olesky reported that, once White made it to high school, the student posed a discipline problem – and was a frequent visitor at the administrative office.
“Transitioning to high school was not without setbacks,” Olesky recalled. “Within the first month, Maverik was caught with a THC vape and sent to serve his consequence at the Alternative Campus.”
Sophomore year brought a second vape offense, “but at least this time it was not THC and he stayed on campus,” the vice principal reported, adding that the White seemed to get the message the second time around.
“This seemed to be a turning point for him,” she reflected, “that he finally realized that this was not how he wanted high school to be for him.”
“Things came to a head,” Burnett shared of the turmoil in White’s life, compounded by limitations enhanced when the student was sent to alternative education. The now-sophomore had changes to make, especially if he wanted to make his two younger brothers proud. “That’s when the skies opened up.”
“He had no referrals for the rest of his high school career,” Olesky shared. “This year, his senior year, he has not even had a single tardy. He is a true testament to being able to turn things around when you realize things are not going the right direction.”
At the May ceremony held in his honor, White – a hopeful soon-to-be Top Gun-level “Maverik” – beamed with excitement when he was presented with gifts, words of encouragement, promised mentorship, as well as flight lessons, from supporters that included the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office Aviation Unit, Lamar State College Port Arthur, Jefferson County Judge Jeff Branick and KUSA Aviation.
“I was at the bottom,” White said of where he was emotionally at the beginning of high school, before a host of teachers, counselors and well-meaning adults helped him get back up. When all is said and done, White added, he wants his brothers to know what can happen if you just keep trying to succeed. “I want them to know I didn’t stay down.”
On the verge of graduation on the A/B Honor Roll, White is currently working at Chick-fil-A and plans to attend Lamar State College Port Arthur to start working on a degree in business with an ultimate goal to get his pilot’s license and have his own charter plane business.
“I cannot think of a more deserving recipient,” Port Neches-Groves High School math teacher Pamela Hudnall said of a student she is more than happy to see overcome the hardships of his youth. “The journey has been a tough road, but he has grown so much.
“My smiling, sweet, always so polite and upbeat kid is going to graduate, and I couldn’t be prouder.”
Even educators from years ago remember fondly with pride the promise in a young man now fulfilling the long hoped-for greatness his teachers knew was always there.
“I have the warmest thoughts of Maverik, and to know he is soaring now makes me smile from ear-to-ear,” Groves Middle School science teacher Erin Boudreaux shared. “I am proud to say I got to play a part in Maverik’s academic career and be a part of his amazing story so far.”