DANFORTH, Maine — Christopher Young, a longtime educator and athletic administrator for the East Grand Community School, has tendered his resignation.
“After nearly 40 years of coaching, teaching and administrating high school and college sports I have decided on a career change,” Young said. “It was a difficult decision, but ultimately we all have to make decisions that are best for our own personal situation. Stepping away from this small school will be very difficult. It’s been a pleasure working with the students and student athletes at East Grand these past 12 years.”
Young tendered his resignation on Tuesday, April 18, leaving his position as a grade 7-12 social studies teacher, middle-high school athletic administrator/assistant principal and girls varsity soccer coach.
Young served as the athletic administrator since 2005 and was a soccer coach since 2009.
“I will still be connected with students and working closely with Aroostook County graduating seniors as they transition from high school to college working with Syntiro and Gear Up Maine as part of the Aroostook County Scholar Pilot Program,” he explained. “I will work out the remainder of the school year and transition to my new position over the next six weeks. I will complete my spring duties as athletic administrator and see the school through the spring sports season.”
Having an opportunity to work with students to gain acceptance to college and to continue monitoring their progress in post-secondary education is something Young is looking forward to the most.
Young said he will miss watching the young athletes compete the most, especially when the Vikings pull off victories against schools that are often much larger than East Grand. He added the district will be seeking a new athletic administrator to fill his position at the middle and high school.
He is most proud of the girls sports teams in recent years, as the Vikings have demonstrated considerable success for such a small school.
“Varsity softball has qualified for the postseason eight straight years and the varsity girls basketball team [qualified for the playoffs] five straight years,” Young said. “The girls soccer program has grown into a competitive team and has made several tournament appearances. With our size just fielding teams is a struggle, but having great coaches who are dedicated and knowledgeable has made the job that much easier.”
