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Mayor Young deserves the honor
Published Saturday, February 27, 2010
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As we wrap up our Parade of Heroes, The Outlook is both proud and pleased to name Alexander City’s Mayor Barbara Young its 2010 Citizen of the Year.
Young is a remarkable woman who has been a high achiever all her life and has held leadership positions in Alexander City for half a century.
Young earned a Ph.D. in administration from Auburn University before moving to Alexander City 56 years ago. She taught physical education at Benjamin Russell High School and was principal at Radney Elementary School, positions that put her in close contact with generations of Alexander City residents. Combine that with 50 years as a Sunday school teacher at First Baptist Church, and it’s easy to see why a substantial portion of Alexander City residents view “Miss Barbara” as an authority figure.
When we mentioned that everybody in town knows her and looks up to her, Young laughed and said, “Well, I’ve spanked most of ‘em.”
Which brings up several other outstanding characteristics – Barbara Young is deeply involved with those around her, she’s got a positive outlook on life and a good sense of humor, she’s not afraid to dish out a serving of tough love or to lend a helping hand when it’s needed.
In talking with people about our 2010 Citizen of the Year, we’ve heard a number of stories: how Young reached into her own pocket to pay a utility bill for a resident who was having financial trouble, how she encourages city employees to stop smoking and lose weight, how she wouldn’t let parents drive home during a dangerous storm.
In her 79th year, Mayor Barbara Young is running our city with the wisdom and compassion of a mother and the discipline and authority of a principal. Those of us who live here are the better for it.
Please join us in thanking Barbara Young for what she’s done to make our home a better place and congratulate her on being recognized as The Outlook’s 2010 Citizen of the Year.
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