Home Burlington Twp. News Burlington Township school community mourns loss of B. Bernice Young

Burlington Township school community mourns loss of B. Bernice Young

Burlington Township lost a legendary and beloved member of the school community.

Burlington Township School District officials announced that B. Bernice Young, better known as “Bunny,” passed away on Oct. 25 at the age of 92.

The B. Bernice Young Elementary School in Burlington Township was named in her honor.

School officials stated that Young was a dedicated educator throughout her life.  She was respected and loved by everyone who knew her.

She was also an active member in the Burlington Township Schools Scholarship Committee and enjoyed reading to children at the B. Bernice Young School Read Across America Day.

“I always knew Mrs. Young to be a kind and helpful individual who was compassionate regarding children’s learning,” said Joyce Payne, the B. Bernice Young Elementary School Principal. “She was very willing to help me in my early years as principal at Young School. She had a gentle spirit which was infectious; one loved being in her presence. The adults of Burlington Township have been left a special legacy.”

In a statement released by the Burlington Township School District as well, officials expressed their sentiments towards Young’s life and legacy in the school community.

“The Burlington Township School District is saddened by the loss of a community and educational icon for our community,” district officials said. “She was well known in the community for her handwritten notes throughout her lifetime. Mrs. Young shared her story, over the years of how she worked with families when she began as a teacher in 1948 then became an acting principal with approximately 100 students and several teachers. She always talked about the importance of building relationships with families and helping students reach their highest potential.”

During Young’s 36 years of service to the Burlington Township community, she served from 1948-1949 as an Elementary Teacher; 1949-1979 as a Teaching Principal (Shedaker and Beverly Road Schools); 1979-1984 as Principal of Pinewald School.

Then, in May 1984, the B. Bernice Young School was named after her.

In September 1948, Young began her teaching career at the Shedaker School (recently demolished by Rim Tec- owners of the property). She taught 2nd and 3rd grade in the same classroom. There were only three teachers in the building at that time.

The next year, 1949, she was named Acting Principal because the Acting Principal left. She still taught 2nd and 3rd grade. Later she moved to the Beverly Road School (it still stands and is owned by RimTec on Beverly Road).

She remained there until the closing and she moved to Pinewald School, now the B. Bernice Young School, as Principal. She retired in 1984 and at her retirement party, the Pinewald School was re-named the B. Bernice Young School.

“Mrs. Young will be greatly missed,” district officials said. “After her retirement, Mrs. Young would come back to Young School to be a guest reader for the children at her namesake. Her dedication to the children, families, and staff of Burlington Township will never be forgotten. She leaves behind a legacy of lifelong learners and dedicated staff whom she nurtured. Her unwavering love for the students and education will truly be missed.”

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