By Ann Kaker | Published Sunday, September 27, 2009
I was overjoyed today when I saw in the Update that the new elementary school was going to be named Young in honor of Allen Ray and Nelda Young for their many years of service to the Decatur school district. I know that I am only one of many, many former students of these two great people who celebrate their recognition.
My acquaintance with Mr. Young came in 1952-53 when I was in sixth grade. I could tell right away he was going to be a super teacher but more than that, a good role model for us all. Looking back now, I realize he was a young teacher; maybe that's why he could touch our minds and hearts so, and put up with our antics.
Our group didn't get to know Mrs. Young as a teacher until we got into high school. She made learning fun and helped us realize that her classes offered things that would be a help all through life. I worked on the school newspaper in her journalism class. It was a fun class, and yet, I learned more than I realized. Looking back, perhaps that is why my first job after high school was at the Wise County Messenger helping in the office and also writing a little copy.
It took me many years of adult life before I could call them by their first names. To reach that point in life was to realize not only would I always treasure the memories of them as teachers, but also appreciate that I could call them my friends.
Congratulations to them and thank you to the naming committee for recognizing their devotion to education and everyone's life.
