Virgil M. & Katherine A. Young Scholarship for Rural Idaho

The Virgil M. & Katherine A. Young Scholarship for Rural Idaho was established in 1996 by Virgil and Kathy Young. Both graduated from rural Idaho schools: Virgil from Payette High School (54 graduates) and Katherine from Castleford High School (27 graduates). Virgil started his teaching career at Moscow Junior High School as a science teacher. While working toward his doctorate, he was appointed assistant superintendent of the Coeur D’Alene School District. Afterward, he joined the faculty of Boise College (later to become Boise State University). During this time, he authored The Story of Idaho, an Idaho history book used in elementary schools throughout Idaho. He retired from Boise State University as professor in the College of Education and chair of the department of teacher education. Katherine began her teaching career in Coeur d’Alene as an elementary school teacher, and afterward earned her doctorate in education. While teaching elementary school in Boise, she was selected as the 1983 Idaho State Teacher of the Year. This earned her a trip to Washington, D.C., where she gathered with State Teachers of the Year from other states. The State Teachers of the Year were guests at a special White House luncheon hosted by President Ronald Reagan and Vice President George Bush. Katherine later became a faculty member at Boise State University. During her tenure, The National Geographic Society appointed her coordinator of geographic education for the state of Idaho. As such, she coordinated a network of teachers throughout Idaho and traveled nationally and internationally for the society. Katherine also authored a book for teachers, Constructing Buildings, Bridges, and Minds, describing her unique approach to project teaching. She retired from Boise State University as professor in the College of Education.