Remembering John Young

His legacy continues to live on in the memories of pupils, staff, and alumni whose lives he quietly but powerfully shaped.

John Young was not the stereotypical ‘iron master’ often expected of school leaders of his era. Instead, he brought a calm, thoughtful presence to the role—one marked by humility, wit, and above all, genuine care for every pupil who walked the school’s corridors. As a teacher of politics, he encouraged open thinking and sparked the curiosity of many students. He had a talent for the clever quote, the dry aside, and a belief that school was just the beginning of a young person’s journey—not the sum total of their potential.

Many former pupils will recall his words of encouragement, especially those who took time to find their path in life. It is often said that John had a quiet way of seeing people—not just their academic scores or immediate achievements, but who they might one day become. Former students have spoken of his advice echoing long after they left school, giving them confidence when they needed it most.

Even in recent years, John remained a visible figure around Holywood, often spotted walking along the beach at Seapark. Those who met him there found him unchanged—still radiating that gentle “live and let live” attitude, still interested in people, and still with an incredible memory for names and stories. Conversations with John always circled back to others: the pride he held in his family, the joy he felt in former pupils’ successes, and his enduring affection for the Sullivan community.

Craig Mairs, the current Principal of Sullivan Upper School, expressed:

"In my role as Principal of Sullivan Upper School, I get to meet many proud alumni of the school.

For those who attended the school between 1980-1998 there is one constant in their memories; the respect, admiration and affection they had for John Young. He was clearly a leader with great compassion, integrity and wisdom. Above all he represented the school's motto Lamh foisdineach an uachtar.

I have had the privilege of meeting John and his wife Margaret on a number of occasions. The first of these was at the school's Carol Service in 2022 when four Sullivan Heads were photographed together. The last was this year's Spring Concert in March in the Ulster Hall. On each occasion John's good humour and pride in the achievements of the school's pupils (past and present) shone through.

He will be greatly missed and the whole Sullivan community extends its deepest sympathy to his wife Margaret, his children Patrick and Sarah and his whole family circle."

John Young made his mark—quietly, thoughtfully, and profoundly. His legacy will endure in the values he championed, the lives he touched, and the stories still told fondly by generations of Sullivan pupils.

May he rest in peace.