LUBBOCK, Texas (KCBD) – Douglas Young has been a constant presence at Lubbock High School for more than two decades. As a teacher, coach and principal, he’s shaped the lives of thousands of students. Now, after 40 years in education, he’s stepping away.
His path to the classroom wasn’t always certain. Young initially pursued business, but a conversation with a former high school teacher changed everything.
“Business math I found out wasn’t my cup of tea. I had a conversation with one of my former high school teachers and he said you’ll be really good at this. So I think you should try it,” Young said.
That suggestion became a career. Young spent 22 years at Lubbock High, including 17 as principal. For him, the job was never just about managing a building, it was about prioritizing the people inside it.
“Having the opportunity to impact the lives of thousands of young people is not something you take lightly. It’s something that’s very very important,” Young said.
The students became his motivation, even years after they graduated. Former students still reach out to share how his influence changed their trajectory.
“They pull out their phone to show me pictures of their spouse and children, say I was headed down a not so good path and you helped bring me back. This probably wouldn’t of happened had it not been for you,” Young said.
Young requested a low-key departure. His staff had a better idea.
“I told my staff when they asked me if I wanted a retirement celebration, I said no I really don’t think so. That shows you how well they listen to me as the time drew near but I’m so happy they did that. It’s just the out pour of love that meant so much to me,” Young said.
Retirement means swapping school calendars for travel plans. Young and his wife have been building a list of trips they’ve put off for years, including a Mediterranean cruise.
“One of the things we been talking about together all these bucket list things. Trips and things we want to so is possibly a Mediterranean cruise, I’m a cruiser this will be my sixth cruise,” Young said.
After decades of guiding students through their lives, Young is finally taking time to enjoy his own.
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