Ms. White never left Weequahic. Oh, yes. She did take a sabbatical to earn a degree from Montclair State College (now University) in Health and Physical Education. But it wasn’t too long before she returned to ply her trade at the old wigwam, first as a Health and Physical Education instructor, then as a Special Counselor on Substance Abuse and, most recently, as the Health and Social Services Coordinator.
“Nothing is as rewarding as having a positive influence on the life of a child,” says Loraine. “I have truly been blessed with the opportunity to make a difference.” Based on the number of parents and kids who sing her praises, she’s making the most of that opportunity.
Loraine attended Hawthorne Avenue School and Clinton Place Junior High School before coming to Weequahic. She grew up on Bock Avenue in the very home where both her parents are still enjoying good health and great pride in both their daughters (Loraine’s younger sister Cherry graduated from Weequahic in 1969).
Don’t worry, we\re getting to football and ballet. Be patient.
“He’s the light of my life,” Loraine says when speaking about her grandson. “If somebody got me one of those license plate frames that say ‘Let me tell you about my grandchild’, I’d put it on my car.”
Mexico, the Caribbean and Florida are favorite vacation destinations for Loraine. She enjoys traveling and plans to settle in the Sunshine State when she retires.
Active in the New Zion Revival Temple, Loraine has served as a Trustee of the church .
“I love all kinds of music. Even Country and Western. As a matter of fact, I listen to Hip Hop quite a bit,” she notes. “It helps me stay in touch with the culture of the students I try to help. I get a real sense sometimes of what’s going on in their heads from the music that they listen to.”
Coaching, tambourine…give it a rest. We’re getting there.
“No regrets.” No, that’s not a new brand of jeans. It’s Loraine’s perspective on life. “You get dealt a hand and life is how you play it. I was dealt a fair hand, and with the help of my parents, striking a balance between the spiritual and physical and making sure to give some back to the community, all in all, I feel good about my life. I have no regrets.”
OK. Now comes the story you’ve been waiting for. Did you know that Loraine has been inducted into the Newark Athletic Hall of Fame? She was the first on-field, female football coach in New Jersey and, with the encouragement and support of head football coach, Burney Adams, she instituted a program to reduce athletic injuries by incorporating ballet into the football conditioning program. Before each game, the players would go through the five ballet positions to the beat of her tambourine. How did the team fair under Coach White’s tutelage? After having gotten over the initial embarrassment, the team went on to several successful and undefeated seasons. Most importantly they were seasons with limited injuries! Can you spell m-o-v-i-e r-i-g-h-t-s?
Loraine can be reached at whiteloraine@aol.com
