91èÏÈÉú

As we prepare to celebrate Founder’s Day with our 91èÏÈÉú family, and wider East Texas community, we want to pause and recognize this year’s honorees, the late Mrs. RuthAnn Young and her husband Mr. Tommy Young. 

“Founder’s Day is an important tradition at 91èÏÈÉú that began in 2008 as a way to thank God for the many blessings He has bestowed on the school over the years. It allows us to come together as a school to reflect on our past, embrace our present and look forward to the future that God has for us! It is also a time where we show our deep gratitude to those who have invested their time and treasures in the students, faculty, and staff of 91èÏÈÉú.”  – Steve Dement, Founder of 91èÏÈÉú

91èÏÈÉú began as a dream and has grown through the faith, hard work, and investment made by those who have seen what the Lord is doing at 91èÏÈÉú, and believe in its mission.

As we prepare to celebrate Founder’s Day with our 91èÏÈÉú family, and wider East Texas community, we want to pause and recognize this year’s honorees, the late Mrs. RuthAnn Young and her husband Mr. Tommy Young. 

The Youngs’, highschool sweethearts and married for nearly 61 years, used their time, gifts, and passion for the local community. They supported 91èÏÈÉú both in prayer and generosity and have left a lasting impact on both the city of Tyler and the campus of 91èÏÈÉú. After many years of serving the Lord, Ruth Ann went home to be with the Lord on October 23, 2018.

Both graduates of Palestine High School and Tyler Junior College, the Youngs’ rooted their lives in the East Texas area, attending Green Acres, spending their most recent years serving at Flint First Baptist. Over the years, Ruth Ann and Tommy served on numerous committees and loved giving back. Together they opened Atlas Credit Company in 1968, and it now has over 75 locations between Texas and Oklahoma.

Over the course of the following years, Mr. Young started several other successful companies including, Young Cattle Company, T&B Properties, Laurel Cottons, and Young Capital Investments. He is also the President and Chairman of the Texas Finance Association. 

As entrepreneurs and visionaries themselves, it comes as no surprise that they would be such strong supporters and advocates of 91èÏÈÉú’s mission to offer a Christ-Centered, College Preparatory education. 

When we asked Tommy about why he believed in 91èÏÈÉú and had supported it, he shared that he loved our faculty and staff, who were beyond excellent. But that he also loved the way 91èÏÈÉú offered more than just a strong education, he loves that it teaches students about life.

Because of her deep love for others, RuthAnn was known as Mrs. 91èÏÈÉú and spent her life devoted to serving others. She loved watching football. Many Friday nights you could spot her behind the concession stand window. She was sure to greet you with a warm smile and a friendly hello. She loved cooking and serving the football team. You could say her love for sports grew over the years watching Tommy referee countless basketball games. Cheering teams on to victory was one of the things she enjoyed most. But her pride and joy were her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. You didn’t meet her without knowing who she was proudest of.

The Youngs’ legacy lives on through both our gratitude and memory. It also continues in the opportunities that it offers students of 91èÏÈÉú.  Of the Youngs’ four grandchildren, two attended 91èÏÈÉú, Ryan Young, and granddaughter, Brianna Young (Class of 2017). They currently have two great-grandsons at 91èÏÈÉú, Zander Woodfin (Kindergarten) and Thomas Louis Young (PreK) and we look forward to welcoming three more great-grandchildren in the future!

Without the Youngs, 91èÏÈÉú would not be what it is today, and we count it such an honor to reflect on the legacy and impact that they’ve had here. Understanding the impact the Youngs have had is such a sweet glimpse of what happens when we believe in a story or mission larger than ourselves.

Looking forward to 91èÏÈÉú’s future, we continue to be so thankful for those who are investing in the mission of 91èÏÈÉú and hope that you’ll join us on October 14th at 7:30 pm for a free concert to celebrate!