# data[].attributes.body
Dear Mr. White,

Eleven years ago I attended a job fair and met the dynamic duo, Mr. Brown and you. That meeting changed my life for the better. All these years later, I am still awed and thankful that meeting led to my journey at YMLA. It is so bittersweet to know your time at YMLA is over; I won’t be able to walk down the hall to “talk to you” because you have been called to shepherd a new flock. Pascal is fortunate to have such a bold and audacious servant leader as you. As you begin your new legacy, please remember to do what we tell our scholars, “Come back and continue to pour into the brotherhood!”

Thank you for all you have done for YMLA, our scholars, families, and the Dream Team. Most especially, thank you for caring about and for Lauren and me.

God Bless YOU always!

Dr. Massey

# data[].attributes.body
Mr White,

I am so deeply saddened but eternally grateful for all the support you have given me these past 6 months.

My husband gave me 3 beautiful, healthy children. You and Ms Garcia-Allen gave me 111 beautiful lives to be a part of, as well as all the wonderful staff that make YMLA what you created it to be.

You lead from the front with care and compassion. You provided an excellent example for us. I wish you all the best on your new journey. Paschal HS is so lucky! Many blessings and heartfelt wishes for you and your family.

Kind regards,

Malinee Carnegie

# data[].attributes.body
Dear Mr. White,

It is honestly bittersweet to hear of your departure from YMLA. The Alumni Association and I deeply appreciate the hard work that you and the dream team put into creating a school dedicated to cultivating leaders. Your efforts were not in vain, and the fruits of your labor are evident in the plethora of success stories from both current students and alumni. I am excited to hear about your next steps and to witness the continued success of YMLA's rich legacy.

# data[].attributes.body
Dear Mr. White,

Before penning this message to you, I was trying to think of a distinguishing characteristic about you as an Administrator that I admire the most. As a leader, you possess many qualities but the one that resonate with me is your positivity.  I have known you since August 2007 where you served as our Assistant Principal at Leonard MS. One thing that has never changed about you is your positive mindset. You have never wavered from making solutions your primary focus and not problems. Even in the midst of the most challenging adversities, you’ve always managed to find a silver lining or have a positive outlook about the situation. Thank you for believing in me as a teacher and making me a part of your YMLA Dream Team in 2021!  In 2023, sometimes when I would come to work feeling down and out after undergoing cancer treatments, you would come by my classroom to check on me.  You would always say uplifting, encouraging words to help me get through the day. Your positive outlook and cool demeanor as a leader give a whole new meaning to “never let them see you sweat”. Whenever I would have one of those days teachers sometimes experience where it seems like it’s us against the world, you would always take the time to offer advice on how to handle the situation, and not let it negatively impact me by causing me to lose sight of my purpose of being a teacher. By you sharing the art of positivity, it has truly influenced my teaching career in a positive way.  I am eternally grateful for having the privilege of you being my Principal for the past 4 years. FYI: History has been made…Rodney White will forever be remembered as being the First Principal of FWISD’s First All-Male School, Paul Laurence Dunbar Young Men’s Leadership Academy in Fort Worth, Texas of Tarrant County. Congratulations on being hired as Paschal HS Principal! You will definitely be missed at YMLA!

God’s grace is upon you!

With sincere gratitude and appreciation,

Ms. Chopp

# data[].attributes.body
Dear Mr. White,

As you prepare to turn the page and begin a new chapter at your next school, we want to pause and reflect on the profound impact you’ve had on our YMLA community. While goodbyes are never easy, we are filled with immense gratitude and admiration for the leadership, heart, and vision you’ve brought to our school.

You have been more than just a principal, you have been a mentor, a role model, and a constant source of encouragement. You led with integrity and compassion, always putting students first and inspiring both staff and families to believe in the power of education and the community of brotherhood! Through your unwavering commitment, you’ve not only guided us through challenges and griefs, but also celebrated every success, big or small, as a shared victory.

Your legacy could never just be measured by test scores or programs initiated, but by the lives you’ve touched, the students who found their confidence, the teachers who discovered new passion, the parents who felt truly heard. Your influence will echo in these halls long after your departure.

As you move on to your new school, know that they are gaining more than a leader. They are gaining someone who listens deeply, dreams boldly, and leads with purpose. We are excited for the Paschal community that will now benefit from your dedication and strength.

May your next journey be filled with new opportunities, meaningful connections, and the same sense of purpose that has inspired us all, here at YMLA!

With heartfelt appreciation, love, and the deepest gratitude,

Janette Newsome

# data[].attributes.body
Mr. White,

Your presence will be missed at YMLA, your Leadership has been paramount for this campus. I wish you well as you continue your journey and will always be a phone call away.

# data[].attributes.body
Mr White

Thank you for the most wonderful 10 years as your Secretary! So many memories of laughter, tears and hard work. We did it all ! Until next time !

Blessings ,

Mrs A

# data[].attributes.body
Mr. White,

I have two Administrators that I speak of highly and often. I have titled them: "The Principal I Love", David Trimble, my first principal in FWISD who saw leadership in me and helped develop it and you, "The Best Leader I Ever Had."

As a great teacher, your gifts can be exploited or miscarried because people push you too fast.  I was being pulled into administration, and I didn't want it.  Then, I would have the urge to step into it every time I worked at a school with poor leadership. I wanted to do something to change them.

That's when our story began. I was a principal intern; halfway through certification, struggling to work full time and attend two universities: TCU and Lamar.

I was a new teacher at YMLA and got to experienced a leadership like never before: The White/Walker Dual.  It was then that I knew I did not want administration and withdrew from the program.  I did not want to be the leader; I just believe schools deserve good leaders, and good leaders need a good team.  AND I just wanted to help the team members be the best they could be. I found my true purpose.

You Sir are an Excellent leader and with the right team, Paschal will never be the same for the BETTER!! I pray for your success and prosperity.  You will elevate.

GOD will continue to cover,

Krista Franklin

# data[].attributes.body
Mr. White,

Thanks for taking a chance on me. I truly appreciated that fact that you let me teach without questioning my unorthodox style. I even more appreciate your "open door". I felt extremely comfortable at YMLA, and mostly due to your leadership. I'm sure Paschal will be much better because of you! All the best! God Bless!!!

Santiago

# data[].attributes.body
Good afternoon Mr. White,

I am so thankful I had a phone interview when I lived 3.5 hours away. I felt so at ease, as you know I wasn’t able to see the classroom size because the building was being renovated for the new science room where the cafeteria use to be (Mrs. Henderson’s room). I prayed and accepted the position at YMLA, it has been the biggest blessing to me. You supported me when my son passed away, my Dad was in the hospital in Oregon, and more. I will never forget those moments. You have supported the Fine Arts and I know you will continue to do so. Thank you for pushing each of us out of our comfort zone when we had to read a chapter in the PD books and present to the Dream Team. Also, thank you for leading and having a listening ear. You have blessed so many people and scholars, I can’t wait to see how God will use you at Pascal! Go do great things as we know you will! ❤️

Sincerely,

Melissa Schulman

# data[].attributes.body
Mr. White

When you interviewed me, you made me feel so wanted. And when I started working, you made me feel so welcome. Thank you so much for your leadership and especially your encouragement. Thank you for all of your hard work with our boys. You are an exceptionally leader, and I am really going to miss you!

# data[].attributes.body
Mr. White: As the leader of the Dream Team, you have been a Dream Principal for me as PTSA President this year. Thank you for your steadfast leadership of YMLA and your partnership with parents who want to invest in the school as volunteers. I still remember our first tour of YMLA in fall 2021 and how warmly you welcomed my son. He chose YMLA and I’m so glad he did! We will miss YMLA next year (he’s going to IM Terrell for high school), but I’m thrilled that his twin sister will go to Paschal! I have typical parent jitters about a big new school, but knowing you will be there at the helm is reassuring — but also truly bittersweet, for I know how you will be missed at YMLA. You’ve built an amazing culture at YMLA, and that’s your legacy. I know you’ll do great at PHS— you’ve already got me telling all the Paschal parents I know how amazing you are! Wishing you all the best!

Karen Perry

# data[].attributes.body
But God! 😅

Thank you for being scared yet fearless, audacious yet prudent; selfless yet self-preserving! Thank you for being a servant first, a follower second, and a leader always! Boys need to see grown men be all of this! Thank you for giving the guys many green lights. Thank you for trusting Dream Team members with the vision y'all beautifully wrote and masterfully executed! When I came, it was so clear that y'all believed in what YMLA was meant to be. Thank you for allowing me hold you and the OGs to that! Thank you for giving Asa and Camryn this family. Rev. and Sis. Smith's great grandson is forever bonded to his "uncs" and big brothers at YMLA...let that sink in.

I'll have to ditto so many here! From Philippeans 1:6 to Hebrews 31:21 in that God chose and equipped you. Period. Remain prayerful. Continue to ask God for clarity and wisdom. Simply continue to walk in obedience and "in all your ways acknowledge Him, and he will direct your path!" And when you are anxious, and you make your request known, His peace will guard your heart (Phil. 4:7). The why is not for you or anyone else to know or understand. Keep in mind: "God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of love, power, and a sound mind." Didn't mean to go full sermon, but God!!

You deserve this peace! You deserve this open door! "Now may the grace of God, the love of Jesus, and the sweet communion of the Holy Spirit, rest, rule, and abide from now and forevermore!" (2 Corinthians 13:14).

~Angel

#OakGrove #Coogs #Wildcats

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
It is time…This is BIGGER THAN YMLA. “[Not only did my own son attend school here, but my grandfather also attended elementary school at this campus. My mother attended this campus as well! There’s a story here, and I think maybe I can tell it…or at least my mom can! This campus was home to…

# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
Here is a picture I took in my first year that I forgot to share with everyone 

# data[].attributes.body
Dear Mr. White,

When you told me about the new opportunity, I knew you were already locked in. Since I’ve been at YMLA, I’ve witnessed an awesome example of leadership, service, and patience under you. There was no chance that anyone else would give up an opportunity to have another team witness the same greatness. I am so grateful for what you’ve seen in me while I’ve been here. I don’t share much about my personal life other than a quick anecdote or a comment every once in a while, but it had been so long since someone made me feel so heard and so capable of doing anything. You believed in me in a time where I needed it most, and you will likely never know the impact you’ve had on my life. I am forever grateful to have met you, and I’m beyond proud of all the things you’ll do in life. It won’t be an easy adjustment, and whoever steps up will have some huge shoes to fill; but I am confident that we’ll get through it because of the foundation you’ve built here at YMLA.

With love, and a little bit of sadness,

Ms. Shelby.

# data[].attributes.body
Mr White,

I am forever grateful for the opportunity you extended to me as an Intervention Specialist at the YMLA. I recall the apprehension I felt discovering I’d be placed at an all-boys school, with a primary concern of how I’d be able to build rapport and be effective in my role. Through your leadership and the wonderful environment cultivated by you and the Dream Team, I felt I was exactly where I needed to be; and I was able to grow professionally and personally. Thank you for modeling what it means to lead with dedication, grace, and humility. While you leave big shoes to fill, I know that you also leave a legacy that will echo through the halls of YMLA long after your departure.

“And I am confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Jesus Christ.” - Philippians 1:6

Warmly,

Ms. Carey

# data[].attributes.body
Your leadership has made a impact on many students and educators. The expectations set made the goals for each student achievable. Lastly, thank you for creating a place for scholars to excell and staff to display there craftsmanship in the classroom. Farewell my brother and continue to be blessed in whatever you do.

KL

# data[].attributes.body
Grateful for Your Leadership and Impact

Mr. White,

I just wanted to take a moment to express my sincere gratitude for the impact you’ve had on my career and professional growth. Working under your leadership at YMLA was truly a pivotal experience for me, and I’m incredibly thankful for the opportunity you gave me to serve the students and contribute to the greatness that lives and breathes within those walls.

One lesson you taught me that still echoes in my head (and probably always will, lol) is: never let your emotions be put in writing! It’s a gem that continues to guide me in navigating both professional and personal situations with wisdom and intention.

Your standard of excellence, your ability to lead with strength and clarity, and your genuine belief in the potential of every young man on that campus, all of it made a lasting impression on me. Thank you for seeing something in me and for allowing me to be part of such a powerful mission.

Wishing you continued success in everything you do, and know that your influence continues to ripple through every space I serve.

Warmly,

Tish

# data[].attributes.body
As a proud teacher at Young Men’s Leadership Academy, I am truly honored to have met and worked alongside a leader like Principal Rodney White.

As one of the newer members of the YMLA family, I want to publicly thank you for your dedication, quiet strength, and constant support. Though I wasn’t here when the journey began in 2012, I’ve heard the stories—how you and the founding team faced challenge after challenge with vision, courage, and faith. Your leadership laid the foundation for something powerful and lasting.

The Bible reminds us in Hebrews 13:21:

“May He equip you with all you need for doing His will. May He produce in you, through the power of Jesus Christ, every good thing that is pleasing to Him.”

And that is exactly what He has done through you. You were equipped for this mission, and you carried it out with grace.

While this chapter of your life may be coming to a close, I have no doubt that God is already preparing the next one—filled with purpose, promise, and impact. Your legacy here will continue to shape young men for years to come.

Best wishes, Sir, on what I know will be an extraordinary new journey. May you walk into it with the same faith and fire that brought you this far.

With deep respect and gratitude,

Life&Favor

Dr.J

# data[].attributes.body
Mr. White,

You have made countless lives better, including my own. I will forever be grateful to Mr. Cotton for connecting me to you and to YMLA. I love YMLA. I love teaching. Both of those are in many respects due to you. I am terribly sad to see you go, but I understand the opportunity you are taking to impact even more lives. Best of luck. But remember you will always have a home at YMLA. In love and gratitude. Mrs. Moser

# data[].attributes.body
Mr. White,

It has truly been an honor and privilege to be able to have served alongside you during your time at YMLA. The past 13 years have been the highlight of my career in education, and I can’t express enough how much you have meant to me and my family over the years. You are not just my supervisor and mentor, you’re my brother. I know that no one will ever be able to fill your shoes, but I will do my best to uphold the culture and legacy that you have created on our campus, and I know that the rest of the Dream Team will be just as much invested in keeping your vision alive.  I’m definitely sorry to see you leave YMLA, but you will continue to be in my daily thoughts and prayers for your continued success on this new journey. May God bless you and keep you.  💙💚

Kindest Regards,

Chris Smith

Original Dream Team Member

# data[].attributes.body
Wow!! How blessed the Paschal Panthers are!! Mr. White' I am a better educator because of the opportunities you provided'under your leadership..You are 1 of 1 sir' as your poise and professionalism are second to none...I am forever grateful for my time here at YMLA and your support! I was led my leader/administrator but I always knew I had a friend by your grace when I needed grace' you were present...Wishing you and your entire family the absolute best and please know I am Proud of You!! Although you are now a Paschal panther' you will forever be a wildcat!!

Wow...Congratulations to Paschal as they have the People's Champ in route!! All Love Mr. White!!

Thank you!

# data[].attributes.body
As Mr. White's assistant principal, I have the privilege of working alongside Mr. White, often in confidential, sensitive situations. In these times, I have come to see what a truly, visionary leader he is. Mr. White leads with clarity, purpose and bold ideas that consistently push our campus forward. He sees possibilities where others may see limitations and he inspires those around him to strive for excellence - not just in academics but in creating a culture of belonging and high expectations. His ability to align vision with action makes him not just a leader, but a catalyst for lasting impact. I will eternally be grateful for the example that he has given me of what a truly visionary leader is. Thank you Mr. White!! You will be missed but I know you are off with new visions for the space God has for you next. Best of luck and God bless!!!