Mr. Douglas L. Wilson

Class of 1968
Career Pathway: Human Services

Mr. Douglas L. Wilson's nomination was read by his son Camren.
 
Douglas Wilson, executive director of the AuSable Valley Youth Services Bureau and member of the GHS Class of 1968, was nominated to the Alumni Hall of Fame because he has dedicated his life and career to the most vulnerable citizens of Crawford and Roscommon Counties. 

In high school, Doug participated in football, basketball and track. He also competed at the state level in forensics and had roles in several high school drama productions. After high school he earned a bachelor of science degree in education from Central Michigan University (Fire Up, Chips!) with majors in psychology and sociology. 

Mr. Wilson worked briefly as a teacher and counselor with the school district until being hired as the director of the Youth Services Bureau in June 1978. Through the agency, he has provided prevention and delinquency counseling services, taught social skills, bolstered self-esteem and provided summer recreation services to hundreds of youths in Crawford and Roscommon Counties. He has touched the lives of countless children and their families. He is a gifted social worker and is often called upon by the schools and service agencies to deal with issues arising with students. He is a true advocate for kids who need a voice.

Over the years, he has continued to provide counseling services -- even on shoestring budgets -- because children need the help. All the agency's services are supported by state funding, contracts with local agencies and grant dollars that he works to secure for the youth of Crawford County. He prides himself on providing a solid program at no cost to children or parents. It is difficult to describe the impact that he has had on the youth, families, schools, probate courts and the community over the last 30 years. 

He was a founding member of the Crawford County United Way and is currently the vice chair of the Crawford County Multi-Purpose Collaborative Body. He has served on the board of directors for the GRACE Center, is serving his second term on the vestry for St. Francis Episcopal Church, has served as a liaison for the St. Francis Thrift Shop and has coached in the Grayling Junior Pro Basketball and Grayling Little League programs. He has organized a Secret Santa Christmas Program for several years, delivering gifts to local families.

Doug is the son of Jack and (the late) June Wilson of Grayling. He has two sisters and one brother who are also graduates of GHS. He is the father of four, including two sons who are also GHS alumni -- Brock, of Grayling, and Brad, who is currently teaching and coaching at Belding Middle School. He has two children currently enrolled in the district -- Camren, who will be a freshman at GHS in the fall, and Carlie, who will be entering third grade at Grayling Elementary. He has been married to Tracy for 15 years.