It’s very special when an MMFS alum returns as a teacher. So we are very excited to shine the alumni spotlight on Justin White, now teaching PE at the lower school. Justin started at MMFS in the lower school in 2011, and graduated in 2020. Athletics Director Justin Schuhmacher called him “probably one of our best soccer players ever” and noted that he made States for track when he only ran one year. After Justin graduated from Manhattanville University this past spring with a degree in Sports Studies, Justin S. brought him on as soccer coach at the upper school. When a position opened up at the lower school for a replacement leave teacher, we were thrilled to bring Justin W. on board. Welcome back, Justin!
What did you do after graduating from MMFS? I graduated from Manhattanville University this past spring and got my Bachelor of Arts in Sports Studies.
What are you doing now? I was supposed to be a sub at the high school, then Beth [Schneider, Associate Head of School] reached out about being an assistant PE teacher. Currently, I serve as an assistant coach to the MMFS Varsity Boys Soccer Team, Varsity Boys Basketball, and Track & Field teams. Recently I became a PE teacher at the lower school.
How did MMFS prepare you for life after high school? MMFS taught me great study tips and organizational skills. Taught me how to be independent.
Favorite memory of MMFS? One of my favorite MMFS memories was going on the Germany and Austria trip with all of my friends. It remains one of the best trips of my life.
Does having a learning disability affect your choices in life after MMFS? If so, how? Not anymore, because I have learned how to manage many of my learning disabilities.
Your advice to MMFS graduating seniors? I wish I had spent more time on reading and writing because you’ll have to write a lot of papers in college. Take your teacher’s advice more seriously.
One of the Quaker Spices that has really stuck with you? Community: Because it feels everlasting and you always have a place to go back to. Where you feel welcomed, loved and valued. I felt that way throughout my Mary McDowell experience.
Favorite MMFS Teacher? Earl Hall (MS PE teacher) and Jennifer Goldfrank (former lower school teacher)
What’s on your Life “To Do” list? I really want to go to the South of France and backpack around Europe one day.
Name three people you’d like to have dinner with? Lil Yachty, Roger Federer, and Mikel Arteta (Arsenal Manager)
What is something that you can’t live without? Music
Do you have a secret talent? I can spin a basketball on my middle finger for more than a minute.
What are 3 words to describe yourself? Inquisitive, Athletic, Kindhearted
What celebrity do you want to be BFFs with? Lil Yachty
A sport you wish you could play? Volleyball
An instrument you wish you could play? Harp
A talent you wish you had? I wish I was trilingual
Most used app on your phone? Instagram
You get one song to listen to for the rest of your life: What is it? Fantasy by Earth, Wind & Fire
Favorite MMFS Food Spot? Layla Jones
