Bryson Ambrose Young

Bryson was born August 4, 1994 to Joseph Young and Yvonne Graham Young. He lived in San Jose, CA, and was called home quietly in his sleep on June 28, 2015.

Bryson accepted Christ as his Lord and Savior and was baptized at Emmanuel Baptist Church. Bryson was raised in Emmanuel, where he attended Sunday School, participated in the Children and Youth Choirs, participated in “Moments in Black History” during Black History Month, and played his clarinet on occasion. He was trained to operate the camera and other areas in the Arts & Media ministry and continued to serve in that ministry on his breaks from college.

His education began at Emmanuel Christian School. He was a fast learner and excelled in all of his subjects. Reading by age 3, he would sometimes read the church bulletin. Bryson transitioned to the public school system in the 4th grade. He learned survival and leadership skills during his years in Troop #170 Boy Scouts. He began to play the clarinet and continued to train and perfect his gift throughout his school years. Various awards and recognitions include The Links award for musical excellence, a Certificate of Achievement in Music, and the Tri-M Music Honor Society.

Bryson began Spanish courses in middle school. His passion for and love of the language showed through his perfection in speaking and writing it. He continued to master the language by participating in the course offered at Emmanuel Baptist Church, sometimes assisting the instructor.

A straight-A student, Bryson always strived to be at the top of his class. Encouraged by his high school principal to enroll in AP courses, Bryson graduated from Piedmont Hills High School in 2012 with a GPA of 4.25.

At the time of his death, Bryson was in his 4th year at UC Berkeley, majoring in Spanish Language and Literature and on the Pre-Med track. He was looking forward to graduating in 2016 and heading to Spain on an internship. His desire was to serve the undeserved community. He’d recently taken on a volunteer position at the Roots Community Health Center in Oakland, CA to assist in the Immigration department.

He was the conductor of the Mariachi Luz de Oro de Berkeley band and performed with them as well. His other interests and activities included Martial Arts, Interact/Cal Rotaract Club, and Vocal Jazz. He had a love for music, often singing to himself in Spanish with ear buds in both ears, and playing his clarinet. He was even cast in a play, which speaks to his wide range of gifts.

In his brief life Bryson received a number of awards for academic excellence, including AP Scholar with Honor Award, the State of California Assembly Award, the California Legislature Assembly Award, and the President’s Education Awards Program. He enjoyed his experience in the Greene Scholars, SMASH Academy, and Experience UC Berkeley, all very powerful academic enrichment programs. These programs increased his desire to serve the world.

Bryson was full of life. He touched multitudes during his short time here on earth. He will be missed.

Bryson had an infectious smile and a warm, compassionate, humble spirit. He was very close to his dad and enjoyed volunteering at the community center with him. He enjoyed hanging out with his sister, Brandi and his niece, Jezlyn. Bryson also had very special relationships with many who came in contact with him, especially with his “other parents,” Joanne and Steve Michael.

Bryson ‘s legacy and loving memories will forever be cherished by his father, Joseph Young of San Jose; his mother, Yvonne Young of San Jose; brother, Brian Young (Katy) of Bellevue, WA; sister, Brandi Young of San Jose; nieces Teahna and Jayda Young of Bellevue, WA; Jezlyn Edwards of San Jose; Mariah, Megan, and Zach of Bellevue, WA; aunts, uncles, and a host of relatives and friends around the country.

A Bryson A. Young Memorial Fund has been set up through the CAAAE Greene Scholars Program. Contribution checks should be made out to CAAAE and sent to:

CAAAE

Greene Scholars Program

Bryson A Young Memorial Fund

PO Box 3134

San Jose, CA 95156