Bob Young has taken on the role of interim principal at Hartselle High School, a position he has previously held at Hartselle Junior High School and Hartselle Intermediate School. Young’s return to leadership comes after a long and dedicated career in education, having first joined Hartselle High School in 1989 as a geography teacher. With a coaching background in baseball and football, he later became the school’s assistant principal and athletic director in 2002.
Under Young’s guidance, Hartselle teams and individual athletes achieved significant success, securing state, regional, and area championships across multiple sports, including football, baseball, and basketball. His contributions to education were recognized when he was inducted into the Hartselle Educator Hall of Fame in February 2025.
As he steps into the principal role once again, Young reflects on the changes and constants in education over the decades. “Now that hasn’t changed. Then and now, I’ve always liked kids. If you are going to serve in education, you’ve got to want to be around kids,” he stated. This passion for youth remains a driving force in his decision to return to administration.
Young emphasizes the importance of making a positive difference in students’ lives. “Sometimes you know when something is meaningful or makes a difference, but most of the time you don’t,” he explained. His perspective on influence has evolved, acknowledging that “it’s the little things that can slip right past you that matter.”
Despite perceptions that students and teachers today are different, Young believes core values persist. “Kids still want to be heard and respected, and they want to know what the boundaries are,” he noted. He asserts that students can thrive within established boundaries, provided they understand and feel cared for by their educators. “And teachers need the same. They need to be respected by me and by the students in the building,” he added, affirming the quality of the teaching staff at Hartselle.
Young’s extensive experience spans various age groups, from elementary to high school students. While he acknowledges the unique joys of each stage, he refrains from naming a favorite. “When they’re young, they’re still becoming who they’re going to be. That’s fun to watch. But being able to have an adult conversation with a student … that’s fun, too,” he remarked.
Now a grandfather of five and recently remarried, Young could choose to focus on family during this transitional period. Instead, he feels a strong sense of responsibility to the institution that shaped his career. “It did feel good to be asked. I am honored and pleased to serve,” he stated, highlighting his commitment to the community he has been part of for nearly four decades.
As Young embarks on this latest chapter at Hartselle High School, the community can expect a leader who is not only experienced but deeply invested in the success and well-being of both students and teachers alike.
