Katherine Young Dies at 46: Smithfield High School Mourns the Loss of a Music Icon
Smithfield High School in Rhode Island is grieving the loss of one of its most beloved and respected teachers, Katherine Young, who passed away on December 29, 2023, after a long battle with breast cancer. She was 46 years old.
Young, who taught music and chorus at the school for 15 years, was known for her passion, dedication, and talent. She inspired countless students to pursue their musical dreams and enriched the school community with her joy and kindness.
Katherine Young: Smithfield High School Teacher and a Friend to All
Young was not only a teacher, but also a friend, mentor, and role model to many. She was always ready to lend a listening ear, offer a word of encouragement, or share a joke. She had a positive impact on everyone she met, from students and colleagues to parents and administrators.
In 2017, Katherine Young was honored as the Smithfield High School Teacher of the Year, a recognition of her excellence and professionalism. She was also nominated for the Rhode Island Teacher of the Year award, a testament to her statewide reputation and influence.
Young was an active member of the Smithfield High School Music Booster Club, a group of parents and teachers who support the school’s music programs. She helped organize fundraisers, concerts, trips, and other events for the students. She also collaborated with other music teachers in the district and beyond, sharing her expertise and enthusiasm.
A Musical Legacy That Lives On
Young’s love for music was evident in everything she did. She played the piano, guitar, and flute, and had a beautiful singing voice. She composed songs, arranged music, and directed musicals. She taught her students not only the skills and techniques of music, but also the history, culture, and appreciation of it.
Young’s students describe her as a fun, caring, and inspiring teacher who challenged them to grow and express themselves through music. She exposed them to a variety of musical genres and styles, from classical to jazz to pop. She encouraged them to participate in various musical activities and competitions, such as the Rhode Island Music Educators Association All-State Festival, the New England Music Festival, and the Berklee College of Music High School Jazz Festival.
Young’s students have gone on to pursue music in college and beyond, some becoming professional musicians, teachers, or composers. Many of them credit Young for sparking their musical passion and guiding their musical journey.
Young’s musical legacy lives on in the hearts and minds of her students, who have dedicated a song to her memory. The song, titled “You Are the Music in Me”, was written by one of Young’s former students, and performed by the current Smithfield High School chorus, under the direction of Young’s colleague and friend, Jennifer Smith.
The song’s lyrics capture the essence of Young’s impact on her students and the school:
You are the music in me / You are the song that I sing / You are the melody that fills my soul / You are the harmony that makes me whole / You are the rhythm that moves me / You are the beat that grooves me / You are the music in me
A Celebration of Life and a Call for Action
Young’s family, friends, and colleagues are planning a celebration of her life, to be held at the Smithfield High School auditorium on January 15, 2024, at 7 p.m. The celebration will feature musical performances, speeches, and a slideshow of Young’s photos and videos. The public is invited to attend and pay tribute to Young’s life and legacy.
Young’s family has also set up a memorial fund in her name, to support the Smithfield High School music programs and scholarships for music students. Donations can be made online at Katherine Young Memorial Fund or by mail to Smithfield High School Music Booster Club, 90 Pleasant View Avenue, Smithfield, RI 02917.
Young’s family hopes that her death will raise awareness and inspire action for the fight against breast cancer, a disease that affects one in eight women in the U.S. They urge everyone to get regular screenings, seek early treatment, and support research and advocacy efforts.
Young’s family also wants to thank everyone who has supported them during this difficult time, especially the Smithfield High School community, which has shown them an outpouring of love and compassion.
Young is survived by her husband, Robert Young, and their two children, Emily and Ethan, as well as her parents, siblings, and extended family.
Young will be dearly missed by all who knew her, but her music will live on forever.
