Luke Young Honored as Theodore Ryken Awardee!

 

St. Mary’s Ryken is proud to announce that Mr. Luke Young, esteemed Theology teacher and mentor, has been named the 2025 recipient of the Theodore James Ryken Award. This annual honor is presented to an individual who exemplifies the core Xaverian values of humility, trust, zeal, compassion, and simplicity—virtues that shaped the life and mission of the Xaverian Brothers.

Luke was presented with the award during the Founder’s Week all-school Mass, celebrating the Feast of St. Francis Xavier, the school’s patron saint. The liturgy included a special guest — Robert Cardinal McElroy, who joined the community for this year’s celebration.

For 15 years, Luke has served in the Theology Department and holds a bachelor’s degree in Philosophy and is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Theology.  "His deep commitment to forming young hearts and minds is foundational in his work in Theology classes" said SMR President Rick Wood. "He guides students to navigate some of the most important questions of their lives, questions about purpose, conscience, relationships, and God’s call. He meets his students exactly where they are, and then gently, consistently, shepards them toward truth."

A former Archdiocese of Washington Veteran Teacher of the Year and moderator of the Student Council, Mr. Young consistently encourages students to lead with integrity, serve with compassion, and think beyond themselves. Yet it is in his everyday vocation as a teacher where his impact is most profound. His lessons become invitations—to reflect deeply, to choose courageously, and to grow spiritually.

His department chair captures this beautifully: “Through the coherence of what Luke teaches in the classroom with his personal witness, students’ lives are changed by authentically wrestling with the ‘big’ issues of being human.”  This unity of word and example is what sets Mr. Young apart. He embodies it by being passionate about what God is passionate about: human dignity, moral clarity, justice, mercy, and love.

In true Xaverian spirit, Mr. Young serves not only as an educator but as a companion on the journey of faith for his students—a humble guide who helps them develop the strength, wisdom, and insight needed to navigate the world with courage and conviction.

Mr. Young was joined at the ceremony by his wife, Deigh; their five children; and his in-laws, Leonard and Peggy Wathen. Their presence reflects the essential role family plays in supporting a vocation lived with such generosity and heart.

“Luke has spent 15 years shaping both the minds and hearts of young people,” said SMR Principal Tom Campbell. “He exemplifies the Xaverian mission in word and action, and we are grateful for the blessing he is to our school community.”

St. Mary’s Ryken extends heartfelt congratulations to Mr. Luke Young on receiving the Theodore James Ryken Award. His legacy lives on in the countless students whose lives he has touched with compassion, wisdom, and faith.