Thomas L. Young Class of 1969 Thomas L. Young, or Tom as most people address him, is a graduate of the North Callaway High School class of 1969. Tom comes from a family that has been a part of the North Callaway R-1 School District since its inception. His father, Elmo H. Young served as a board of education member during the formation of North Callaway R-1 and the construction of a portion of the high school that students attend today. In addition, Tom’s wife, and children, graduated from NCHS and his two grandchildren currently attend Auxvasse Elementary and Williamsburg Elementary. His oldest child, Cassie Lauer, is currently a mathematics teacher at North Callaway High School and his youngest child, Levi Young, is a regional manager for MC Machinery in Chicago, Illinois. As a student at NCHS, Tom indicated that he did not work up to his potential, but did enjoy his time there. When asked what teacher or administrator had the most impact on him as a high school student, his answer was Diana Austin, who was his English teacher. He stated that she saw his potential where others did not, and would not allow idleness from him. He still respects her for the interest that she took in him and his education. Reflecting upon his high school experiences, he expressed regret that he did not become more involved in extra-curricular activities, mentioning in particular FFA and sports. After graduating from NCHS, Tom attended Linn State for one year and University of Central Missouri for two years. Although he did not finish any degrees during that time, he feels like the educational experiences he had at both the schools have impacted his professional life in many ways. In 1972, Tom began working for Kingdom Telephone Company as a lineman and worked his way up through the company serving as the telephone technician for the nuclear power plant in Mokane, MO during its construction, as a switching technician, and eventually attained the position of Facilities Manager. After twenty-six years at Kingdom Telephone, he took a position as a district manager for another telephone company, Grand River Mutual, at their Bethany, Missouri office. He worked for Grand River Mutual for nine years until he returned to Kingdom Telephone Company and replaced Tom Blevins as the General Manager after his retirement. He plans on remaining in this position until he retires. When asked what professional accomplishments he is most proud of, he reflected on his longevity in the telecommunications industry and watching the industry change from only offering telephone service to providing

internet and video entertainment. In addition, he discussed his service on the National Telephone Cooperative Association Board of Directors as the Region 8 Director, a position he was elected to by telephone companies in Missouri, Louisiana, and Arkansas. Tom has also serves as a board member on the Missouri Telecommunications Industry Association and the Missouri One Call Board. While Tom is proud of his professional accomplishments he has also balanced a very full personal life. He has many hobbies and interests, and always seeks to try something new. From 2004 to 2006, as a member of The Discovery Expedition of St. Charles, he participated in the reenactment of the 200th anniversary of the Lewis and Clark Expedition. During these years he spent his spare time portraying Private Silas Goodrich, a member of the original expedition. Replicas of the three boats that were used by the original expedition were created by the members of the Discovery Expedition and used to retrace the path of the original Lewis and Clark Expedition following the timeline from the original journals kept by Captains Lewis and Clark. Tom spent many nights sleeping in one of the boats or on the banks of the Missouri River in Missouri, in Montana, the Dakotas and on the Yellowstone River. All the while he was educating the public about this historical event that had such a profound impact on the history of the United States. When asked what personal accomplishments he was most proud of, his first response, with a smile, was, “I married the prettiest girl in Callaway County.” In addition to being proud of his wife Joy, he is also proud of the family they have built together especially his grandkids Miriam and Elijah Lauer. Also mentioned was his membership at the First Presbyterian Church in Mexico, Missouri, and the work he has done with the missions group. When asked about his future plans, he indicated that when he retires he wants to spend more time doing things that he does not currently have time to do. Among these things, he plans on bike riding, working in his wood shop, trout fishing, and turkey hunting. Throughout his life, Tom feels that the experiences that have tested him have made a huge impact on the person he is today. Tom’s advice for current NCHS students is “You should be adventurous, always keep one foot out of your comfort zone. Don’t be afraid to try something new and take chances.”