What school year did you graduate from Eisenhower Junior High?
I graduated in 2009.
What grades did you attend in District 61?
2004-2009
Please let us know any special memories of your time spent at Lace and Eisenhower Junior High.
Sporting events were always a good time – same with school dances and Market Days.
Who were some of the memorable teachers you had and why?
There were a lot of memorable teachers that I experienced in my time within District 61.
– Ms. Brundage, who was my math teacher in 5th and 6th grade because math has always been my favorite subject and she made it fun.
– Mr. Wolski and Mr. Polasek, as Science was my second favorite subject and they often indulged in my shenanigans as a class clown.
– Mrs. Perisin being my 7th grade Science teach was another favorite.
-Ms. Brennan who made reading and language more tolerable and also engaged in my shenanigans.
– Mr. Cabrera and Mr. Stallings as they both made history a fun time and a great learning experience.
-Ms. Stansberry was also very memorable in how she always improved the mood anytime she was around.
-Mrs. Seagraves was someone who got hold of me at a very young age and turned me in a direction that led me to where I am today.
What clubs, sports or extracurricular activities were you involved in?
While at Lace and EJH, I played football, basketball (both sports 7th and 8th grade) and was on the wrestling team (5th and 6th grade).
Frequently participated in Market Days while at EJH.
Frequently helped with wrestling activities when there were tournaments held at the school – concessions, tournament operations, mat setup and tear down, clock management, etc.
Did you receive any special recognition or awards, or are proud of any personal accomplishments in school?
I do not recall any awards or recognition while I was there but if I did, they would have been related to football.
If you could say anything to the current students of Darien District 61, what would that be?
Don’t be afraid to explore new areas. Don’t be afraid to ask questions or ask for clarification. And don’t be afraid of making mistakes. We learn best and grow as individuals when we put ourselves in uncomfortable situations. This may not resonate just yet but it will as you get older so I would like to plant this seed now.
Tell us a little bit about yourself
When were you born?
I was born December 5, 1994
What is your full name?
Aeneas White
Where did you live when you attended school in District 61?
We bounced around a bit but I lived in Darien while at Lace Elementary and Downers Grove while at EJH.
Where do you live now?
I have lived in Indianapolis for several years, but have just recently moved to Dallas.
What are some of your accomplishments and noteworthy activities since leaving District 61?
Most of my accomplishments are sports related:
-Earned a scholarship to attend Nazareth Academy.
-2 times All Conference Wrestler and Football Athlete at Nazareth Academy between 2010-2013.
-Nazareth Academy’s first multi-time state qualifier.
-2 time Football and Wrestling Captain at Nazareth Academy.
-6 Varsity Letters at Nazareth Academy – 3 in Wrestling, 2 in Football and 1 in Track and Field.
-Earned a Scholarship to play football at University of Indianapolis.
-4 Varsity Letters in Football at UIndy.
-3 times Defensive Back of the Year at UIndy.
-3 times All Conference Defensive Back.
-2017 Football Captain.
-2017 Mental Attitude Award Winer – Football.
-2017 Something Extra Award Nominee – All Student Athletes
-2017 D1/ D2/NAIA Senior Bowl Invitee
-Graduated in May 2017 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Computer Information and a Minor in Computer Science in December 2017.
-April 2018, began a corporate job in my field of study at Delta Faucet.
-December 2020, earned a Masters of Science Degree in Cybersecurity from Liberty University.
-February 2021, promotion into a Cybersecurity role at Delta Faucet.
-February 2024, promotion to a Cybersecurity role at Delta Faucet parent company, Masco Corporation.
What are your current involvements?
Currently, a Security Engineer at Masco Corporation based out of Livonia, Michigan.
Hobbies include working out, going to sporting events and concerts with friends and family, playing intramural sports, flag football, softball, and dodgeball.
Volunteer activities – Mentoring younger kids all the way up to college age; training/coaching football, refereeing intramural sports and and I have participated in things like cheering sections at the Special Olympics, Habitat for Humanity, and doing Riley Children’s Hospital visits.
Are you Married? Children?
None of the above for me at this time. I do have a nephew.
What are your plans/goals for the future?
Expand my skill set for work. Advancing in my career is pretty high on the list. And eventually settling down and starting a family one day and eventually starting to coach football more.
Anything else you would like to share with us?
I would just like to reiterate how grateful and honored I am to be receiving this award.
