Grant Young, Missouri Options and health teacher at Washington High School, is the January recipient of the Blue Jay Pride Award. Young also is the head softball coach at WHS.

The Blue Jay Pride Award was introduced to recognize and showcase quality School District of Washington staff and the focus on the District’s core beliefs. Through peer nomination, individuals are able to acknowledge exceptional staff who positively impact the schools, district and community.

The individual who is recognized each month will be presented with a traveling plaque and a gift bag.

Young’s nomination form stated the following:

“Over the last two years, Grant and his softball staff have won a state title. During this timeframe, they set a school record for single season wins. Then in 2024, the Washington High School softball staff was awarded the National Coaching Staff of the Year and honored during the National conference in Dallas, bringing limelight to our school district and many accomplishments.

“Over the course of this school year, Grant has taken on the new role as the Mo Options teacher. I have watched first-hand the dynamic that he brings to the alternative education department. We have students who are willing to come back and earn their high school diploma because of their prior relationship with Coach Young. Students in his program are connecting with the community through community service at Loving Hearts. During this time, they are helping to feed our local community, as well as strive to help fulfill our food backpack program. They are contributing to the community through selfless acts.”

Young was presented the Blue Jay Pride Award traveling plaque by SDOW Superintendent Dr. Jennifer Kephart. He also received a gift bag from the Bank of Washington, represented by Debra Dunkel, Melissa Buel and Danielle Unnerstall.

Click here for more information on the Blue Jay Pride Award.

Grant Young

Missouri Options and Health Teacher, Washington High School

Blue Jay Pride Award

January 2025

Grant Young was presented the Blue Jay Pride Award from School District of Washington
Superintendent Dr. Jennifer Kephart.

Grant Young was presented a gift bag from the Bank of Washington, represented by, from left,
Debra Dunkel, Melissa Buel (Grant Young and SDOW Superintendent Dr. Jennifer Kephart) and Danielle Unnerstall.

Grant Young was presented the Blue Jay Pride Award. Front row, from left, are School District of Washington Assistant Superintendent
Maranda Anderson, Young, SDOW Superintendent Dr. Jennifer Kephart, and SDOW Assistant Superintendent Dr. Rachael Franssen.
Back row, from left, are SDOW Director of Choice Programs Dr. Joe Dierks, SDOW Assistant Superintendent John McColloch, and
Washington High School Principal Dr. Eric Turner.