Coach Kyle Washington likes to stay busy and hidden, preferring his student athletes be the ones who shine on the mat, the field or Special Olympics.
Washington has served in many capacities over the past nine years at Haughton High; offensive line coach, freshman coordinator, assistant basketball coach and now, assistant wrestling coach. But it’s not just Haughton athletics where he is making an impact or winning hearts. He is also a Special Education paraprofessional and Washington makes it his mission to foster an inclusive environment for the students in his care, both in the classroom and outside of it.
He recently caught other people’s attention outside of the community when the Special Olympics games were held for the first time at Haughton High. There are a lot of moving parts when it comes to organizing Special Olympics – especially when it’s at a new venue – but Coach Washington acted as Haughton High’s liaison and was credited for making it a huge success.
“From day one, he was ready and available to answer all of our questions and meet our needs. He never once hesitated or told us ‘no.’ He just got it done!” said Adaptive P.E. teacher Leslie Callaway. “Without his help, the transition to a new location would not have been as smooth and successful. We are so thankful for his willingness to help and his positive attitude that came with it.”
Coach Washington is also credited with pairing every Special Olympics participant with a high school buddy, as well as organizing and motivating a Haughton High student cheering section. His efforts truly upped the game.
“He instilled a spirit of enthusiasm and unwavering support, ensuring that every athlete felt celebrated and valued,” Speech Pathologist Allyce Lyles added. ”The energy and positive atmosphere created by the Haughton High students were truly remarkable, and this was directly attributable to Coach Washington’s leadership. His efforts extended far beyond simply organizing cheers. He actively promoted the power of inclusion, exhibiting the importance of recognizing and celebrating the unique abilities of each athlete. He ensured that every participant felt special on their day, creating a memorable and uplifting experience for all.”
Those were just a couple of many testimonials submitted in praise of Washington’s efforts and support for him to be chosen as Bossier Schools’ final Gold Star recipient of the 2024-25 year. A group of well-wishers surprised him in his classroom with the news and a representative from Gold Star sponsor Bossier Federal Credit Union came with a giant cookie cake in hand to the delight of his students, who happened to be celebrating the birthday of a classmate.
Visibly moved by the honor, it took Washington a moment to reel in his emotions.
“What I love most about what I do is I get a chance to help people, and I get the chance to try and make them smile,” Washington professed. “Honestly, I know everyone wants to give me a lot of credit for how the Special Olympics turned out, but I remember when we met with the volunteers and I told them I thought it was our job to go out and show the entire parish why Haughton is so special. Those kids showed up and showed out and did an amazing job.”
The saying ‘Once a Buc, Always a Buc’ certainly resonates with Washington, who is passionate about his school family and a diehard Buccaneer.
“I think that’s one of the reasons the Haughton team is so unique,” Washington added. “We really do keep it in the family, and even when people come from outside the family, once they’re in, they’re always considered a part of it.”
Event Photos HERE
Bossier Schools would like to extend its gratitude to Bossier Federal Credit Union, sponsor of the Gold Star employee awards program since its inception 12 years ago.