By GRAHAM BROOKS / Staff Writer

COLUMBIANA–The Shelby County Board of Education approved former Chalkville Elementary School Assistant Principal Bakari Young to take the same position as the new assistant principal at Helena Middle School.

Young has over eight years of experience as an educator and received a bachelor of science degree in physical education from Jacksonville State University and a master’s degree in instructional leadership from Samford University.

Young expressed his appreciation to the board and excited to begin working in Shelby County.

“I’m just excited to be here,” said Young. “Words can’t express how excited I am and to be in all honesty when I was at Chalkville Elementary School today, my current place of employment, I had to stop myself from tearing up because I am going to miss my babies. But again, I’m excited to get to Helena Middle School and start loving on my new babies.”

Young is most excited about getting to work with great people and he said he has heard nothing but good things about Helena and Shelby County.

“The people, I’ve heard nothing but good things about the people and the community, so I’m really excited about the opportunity to work with good people,” said Young.

Young’s wife and son were in attendance with him at the May 14 board meeting when he was approved of his new position.