After losing two students to traffic crashes near campus, Ed White High School is taking innovative steps to protect its students with reflective-striped jackets as part of their uniform options.

The initiative comes in the wake of two devastating losses.

In October 2024, 17-year-old student athlete Alaysha Williams lost her life while crossing Blanding Boulevard. This tragedy followed a similar incident in 2018, when student Shaqia Bryant was hit and killed while crossing Normandy Boulevard.

“Alaysha’s still fresh here at Ed White, so the kids are still talking about it. The community is talking about it,” said Principal Traci Battest.

Pre-dawn safety concerns

Many Ed White students arrive at school before sunrise, whether walking, biking, or riding scooters.

The new reflective unif

See Full Page