A new library at Blue Ridge School will be named in honor of longtime teacher John B. Young IV thanks to a $100,000 pledge to the Dining Hall and Library Capital Campaign by Parker Douglass ’98.
Mr. Young has served 45 years as a Blue Ridge School teacher, hall parent, coach, admissions director, and department chair; he currently lives on campus and works in external affairs for the school. When Mr. Young was informed that the new library would be named for him, he was soft spoken about it and characteristically humble, saying, “I am not one to be feted, but I am excited about this needed project for Blue Ridge. I appreciate being honored, and look forward to seeing the boys study in the new library. I do hope the boys will use it as intended.”
Blue Ridge School has raised more than $2.1 million for the capital campaign to repurpose the existing library into the new Hatcher Williams Dining Hall and the existing dining hall into the new John B. Young IV Library. During the three-year fundraising campaign, lead gifts came from the Board of Trustees, the Charlottesville-based Perry Foundation, and the New York Auxiliary of Blue Ridge School.
As the fundraising campaign gained momentum, Mr. Douglass met with school administrators and decided to pledge $100,000 to the project. His one condition: that Blue Ridge name the new library for beloved faculty member John Young. As an all-boys, all-boarding school, the influence that faculty members have on students can be literally life changing. “Mr. Young was my advisor and helped me grow in so many ways while I was a student. Now in my early 40s, I look back on the role model and inspiration Mr. Young was for me and I am beyond grateful,” said Douglass. “This is an opportunity for me to give back to the school that had a transformative impact on my life. I am so thankful for Blue Ridge School and proud to support its mission for the next generation of boys.”
Blue Ridge School Headmaster Trip Darrin says, “It is hard to put into words the impact John has had on Blue Ridge School. He is such a gentleman, has served in so many roles during his tenure, and is respected by everyone. This honor is well deserved. I’m thrilled for John and excited for our alumni and supporters.”
Construction on the new dining hall portion of the joint project has already begun. Construction of the new library will begin upon completion of the dining hall.
