The 13th Annual Excellence In Education Gala sponsored by the City Schools Foundation was held Friday (1/25/2019) night in the ballroom at MTSU's new Student Union Building.

Funds from the City Schools Foundation benefits the 8,000 plus pre-K through 6th-grade students who attend Murfreesboro City Schools. The intent is to bring local resources to bear on local needs. The group was chartered in 2005. Last year $60,000 in teacher grants were awarded, along with $30,000 student grants.

Honored The Late Doug Young

The 2019 honoree was the late Doug Young who served as chairman of The City Schools Foundation as well as the Gala Chair for many years.

Young's wife, Susan, a rtired teacher with the Murfreesboro City Schools, told NewsRadio WGNS . . .

Dr. Linda Gilbert, the Murfreesboro City Schools director, commented . . .

Don't Forget To Share

The guest speaker was Dacari Middlebrooks who shared that the cafeteria manager in the school where he grew-up in Atlanta impacted his life with a simple lesson in "sharing".

He said, "Some of us are sippers, and we sip a little of this and that, while others want the whole can."

As he progressed through the grades, the cafeteria manager would give him a little more Coke with each year, and as he received more, she would say "Don't forget to share it."

He explained, "Whatever you do in life, don't forget to share it", which is exactly what Doug Young always did.

Share you passions, time and talents.

Local attorney and Foundation Vice Chair Travis Lampley served as emcee for the Gala. He shared wonderful stories about Doug's love for this community.

Overall Creek Elementary

In addition, the evening honored Overall Creek Elementary School. It was named a Tennessee Designated STEM School in 2018. Principal Don Bartch took the audience on a video tour of this school.

The late Murfreesboro Vice Mayor Young's company, City Tile and Floor Covering, has been primary sponsors of Excellence in Education, The Back to School Dash and previously the Fashion Show. Andrew Young joined The City Schools Foundation board in 2018 and continues the legacy of support for public education that his father began.

It was an inspiring evening of honoring education and the late Doug Young, a great friend who loved Murfreesboro, Boy Scouts, his church--and foremost, his family.