Jan Young – IAK High School Educator of the Year
The success of Daviess County Public Schools – the success of our students – is a result of our commitment to one very basic belief: “It’s About Kids.” Everything that is done, and every decision made, is based on what is best for kids.
Our district is fortunate to have outstanding support, leadership and cooperation from our community and staff. To demonstrate our sincere appreciation for that support, the Daviess County Public Schools IAK Award was created to recognize extraordinary contributions to our district.
Honorees are nominated in one of seven categories and winners are recognized at meetings of the Daviess County Board of Education throughout the year. Winners’ names are engraved on a plaque that is on permanent display in our Board room, and winners receive the beautiful IAK Crystal Cube.
The 2006 IAK Award – High School Educator of the Year was presented on April 20 to Jan Young, a guidance counselor at Apollo High School, where she has distinguished herself as one of the most “kid focused” individuals in our district.
When describing her many contributions to the Eagle Family, it’s hard to know where to begin. But we can certainly say that Jan’s day “begins” early and starts out at full speed! Students seek out Ms. Young well before the first bell rings. They know she is always available and willing to listen to them and offer her guidance and counsel regarding school, future plans, life and anything and everything teenagers want and need to talk about. The kids feel comfortable confiding in Ms. Young because they know she truly cares.
She never judges the students’ circumstances or dismisses their concerns. Jan Young holds conversations in the utmost confidence and has earned the trust and respect of the kids. However, she has also earned a reputation for absolute honesty. She insists that kids do their best. “Yes, you can” and “We need results, not excuses” are the messages Jan shares with the students … not only in the words she says, but in the example she sets.
Jan Young is one of those rare individuals who is not only extremely gifted in working with people, but is also highly organized and focused. She is knowledgeable about instruction and passionate about challenging students to do more than they ever thought possible.
One example of her commitment to excellence was demonstrated when she played a significant role in acquiring Apollo’s certification as an International Baccalaureate school. This was a rigorous process that demanded uncounted hours of work, preparation and documentation, but Jan Young was determined to make this opportunity available to her students.
Jan Young continues her influence on students by demonstrating an outstanding attitude. She conducts herself with the utmost professionalism while handling difficult issues with students and parents. It seems she knows every member of the Eagle Family by name – students, many of their parents, faculty and staff. She has a cheerful word and a sincere smile for everyone she sees, and unselfishly gives of her time with clubs and organizations such as Student Council, Key Club and prom, which are designed to make high school a time of growth and positive experiences for her students.
In so many ways, Jan Young truly exemplifies the spirit of “IAK.” Please join us in celebrating Jan Young, our 2006 IAK High School Educator of the Year.
