As soon as White moved to town, she started volunteering her time and talent. Her sons, Tim, Chris, Ryan and Terrance, all played for Rockville Centre Lacrosse. In addition to helping with the boys’ program, White started one for girls, which is still in operation today. For years she served as president of the club.

Aside from lacrosse, one of her real passions was theater. She started with shows at Our Lady of Peace Church in Lynbrook. Then White and her sisters Kelly and Christine Daly created the Backyard Players — a summer theater program for kids.

There White met Nesdell, who wrote the first Centre Stage shows. Nesdell and Mackey tried to get a show off the ground at South Side, and White was there to help.

“People influence your life throughout various stages,” Mackey said. “I can count on one hand the people that have had the impact that Mrs. White has had on me. She made that experience special for me and everyone else. And I know that experience at Centre Stage has affected me as a college student and as an aspiring physician. She’s very much a role model for me.”

Centre Stage has become a highlight of the school year for many families. Every student in the show gets his or her chance to shine. White finds a way to give everyone a moment in the spotlight — singing, dancing or saying a few lines. If a student is a huge fan of Elvis, White will work in a way for him to dress like the King for the show.

“No kids are turned away,” Leahy said. “That’s the magic of Ellen. She finds a way to accommodate cast members and incorporate everyone and make it work. She comes to us not just with a good heart, but also a really good head for this kind of thing. And her talent comes through.”

“This award could not be given to a more worthy person,” Leahy added, “and the school district will be forever grateful for her contributions to the children of Rockville Centre schools.”

Putting together a Centre Stage show is no small undertaking. Rehearsals start in September or early October and run until the production, in May. Each summer, White starts writing the script for the next show.

“I get far more out of it than I give [the kids],” she said. “That’s really how I feel. I feel very blessed that I’ve been able to do this. It really is a blessing.”