James W. Young II is a proud graduate of Crete-Monee High School, Class of 2014, and previously attended Crete-Monee Middle School and Balmoral Elementary School.
During high school, he played football all four years and was a member of the 2013 State Championship team, where he played defensive back. Both of his parents were always in attendance, cheering him on at games and supporting his teachers. James fondly recalls his appreciation for the teachers and staff who held him to high standards.
After graduating, James attended Iowa Central Community College in Fort Dodge, Iowa, where he played football and earned his Associate of Arts degree in 2016. He then continued his education at McKendree University in Lebanon, Illinois, on a football scholarship, graduating in 2018 with a Bachelor of Arts in criminal justice and a minor in psychology.
After an extensive application process, James became a police officer for the City of Atlanta, Georgia, in 2020, where he is currently employed. He has served in various roles, including the patrol division, gang suppression unit, and SWAT, and currently works as an instructor at the Police Training Academy.
Crete-Monee Warriors Alumni & Friends asked James to answer a few questions…
Did you have a favorite class? Were there any teachers or other staff members who impacted you during your time in the district?
My favorite class was science during my four years of high school. Seeing how the things I learned in school applied to real-world scenarios was a huge experience for me. Science was one of the classes for me where I saw that happen. Ms. Pappas had a great impact on me during my time at Crete-Monee High School. She was very passionate and caring toward all students.
Tell us about a memorable experience from high school.
A memorable experience I have from Crete-Monee High School was being a member of the first football team in school history to win a State Championship in 2013. I played defensive back and wore number 28.
What was your favorite part of high school?
My favorite part of high school was being around my friends every day. From riding the bus together, playing sports together, and getting rides home together, I truly enjoyed the company of friends.
What is your greatest professional/personal accomplishment?
My greatest professional accomplishment is playing college football and being recognized as one of the team's leaders. Another great professional accomplishment was passing the City of Atlanta Police Department SWAT School and being a member of the SWAT team for 14 months. My greatest personal accomplishment is accepting Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior in August 2023. Another great personal accomplishment is being married to my wife, Sydni, in September 2024. We are expecting our first child, a girl, in June 2026.
I want to share that, throughout all the things I accomplished and cherished in my life, from being a student at Crete-Monee, nothing compares to the crown I will receive when I meet my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. None of the things I accomplished comes close to the joy and peace I got when I gave my life to Jesus Christ in 2023. I encourage all students and staff members to accept Jesus as their personal Lord and Savior. It will change everything about you. That’s where true peace comes from. It comes from Jesus Christ. It’s a daily practice.
What do you miss about high school?
One of the things I miss about high school is the summer breaks. I really enjoyed going outside and being with friends, training for football, and everybody coming over to my house during the summer.
What is your fondest memory of your time during high school?
One of my fondest memories is being a part of one of the best football teams from my freshman year through my senior year. In four years, we were the only team to lose 3 games and be the first team to win a state championship. We really had a great group of players who went on to play in both college and professionally.
What advice would you give to Crete-Monee High School students today?
The advice I would give to Crete-Monee High School students today is to cherish every moment and be meek. The definition of meek is a person who is humble, patient, gentle, and quiet. Self-expression is acceptable. Remain willing to learn from everyone you encounter. This advice will take you a long way after your formal education.
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