Crestview Teacher Savors Life's Victories

For Darnell Young, the highlights of his career don't come in the form of special honors, like the awards gala where he'll be recognized next month for excellence in education.

He's a teacher, and a chess lover, who enjoys instilling the game's principles of scientific inquiry in his students. Perhaps in the same vein, then, that a chess player enjoys watching a pawn cross the board only to be promoted, Young's most treasured moments as an educator come from watching his pupils grow.

“The most rewarding part of my job is when students return to my class and acknowledge that I made a difference in their lives," Young said.

Next month, Young will be honored at the St. Louis American Foundation's Salute to Excellence in Education, a gala where Young will be one of eight teachers recognized for his contributions as an educator.

With 27 years under his belt teaching at , Young no doubt has embraced different methods of instruction depending on the content, students and environment. It's the melding of his passions as a teacher and a competitor, however, that may have become Young's trademark inside the science labs.

“I use the game of chess as a teaching tool to demonstrate the scientific method of observing, analyzing, inferring and predicting,” said Young. “Not only does it teach skill and strategy, but it allows me to share my passion for the game and build a rapport with students inside and outside of class.”

Young said friends and family will be in attendance at the gala, including his daughter Danielle, who graduated from in 2000. The Excellence in Education Gala is scheduled for Sept. 16 at the America's Center Convention Complex.