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The 45-year-old Belmont Ridge Middle School guidance counselor died on Dec. 13, 2023, after a cancer battle.
White dedicated 18 years to his job within the Loudoun County school system, and on Monday morning, April 22, a birch tree was planted in his honor at Belmont Ridge.
"The act of planting a tree symbolizes growth, strength, and renewal," school principal Katie Johnson said. "It's a fitting tribute to someone who dedicated their life to nurturing the growth and well-being of others.
"By planting a tree in his memory, the hope is to create a living tribute that will continue to grow and flourish, much like the impact Mr. White had on his students and colleagues."
White spent his counseling career at Belmont Ridge Middle School, where he held the position of lead counselor for more than four years. He worked with students who had Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) or 504 plans, as well as English Language Learners (ELL).
White's commitment extended beyond the counseling office, having also served as the Military Connected Counselor liaison, as well as the coach of the junior varsity girls soccer team at Riverside High School.
"Mr. White's impact as a counselor went beyond his professional duties; he was known for his caring nature, perceptiveness, and genuine dedication to helping others," Johnson said.
"His open-door policy welcomed students facing a myriad of challenges, from bullying to friendship conflicts and beyond. Mr. White's approachability and willingness to listen made him a trusted confidant for many students, earning him a special place in their hearts.
"He will be remembered not only for his professional expertise but also for his warmth and humor. His legacy will live on through the countless lives he touched and the memories he created."
A West Virginia native, White supported himself through college at West Virginia University and grad school, "often working multiple jobs in addition to his packed class schedule," his obituary reads.
White earned a bachelors in child psychology and a masters in rehabilitation counseling. He was also a certified school counselor for grade K-12.
"D loved spending time in the gym lifting weights and was always well put together, with fresh outfits and (especially) a nice pair of sneakers," his obituary reads.
"He had an extensive list of interests and hobbies: reading, riding his mountain bike, tubing down VA rivers, kayaking the Cheat River, riding the emotional roller coaster of WVU football and basketball games, going to MLS and WVU soccer matches, playing pickleball on Christmas Eve, going to movies, finding Instagram clips that would crack his friends up, and many more."
One for spontaneity, white was known to take long road trips on a whim "because someone made a comment about blueberry ice cream and Acadia scenery in Maine, heard how great a trip to Yellowstone sounded and decided to check it out for himself, wanted some extra sunshine on the beaches in Miami and Key West, or decided it was time to go to Ireland and have a Guinness at the factory and see the Cliffs of Moers," his obituary continues.
"Damien wrote 'All I ever wanted, was to make people happy.' He was a tough nut to crack. But if you did, you experienced first-hand how much he cared about the people in his life. Goal accomplished, D."
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