The Webster Parish School Board awarded the inaugural Kevin J. Washington Memorial Scholarship during its regular meeting on June 2, marking a new chapter in honoring the legacy of the late Assistant Superintendent Kevin Washington.
Kevin Thompson of Taylor and Sons presented the $1,000 scholarship, which was awarded to Tatiyana Mason, a graduating senior from North Webster High School. “I’m just so happy and grateful that we’re in a position to do this,” Thompson said.
Washington, who passed away unexpectedly on July 23, 2024, following a brief illness, was widely respected for his dedication to student welfare and educational equity. Superintendent Johnny Rowland described Washington as a “fierce advocate for ALL students,” regardless of their background.
In her remarks, Washington’s daughter, Kaylaan, expressed gratitude for the scholarship. “My dad dedicated his life to the betterment of the Webster Parish school system. We are especially touched and honored by your decision to dedicate a scholarship in his memory,” she said. “Knowing his legacy will continue to uplift students through educational opportunities is a meaningful and lasting tribute. Thank you for turning our sorrow into something hopeful.”
Mason’s winning essay highlighted the support she received throughout her education. “They say it takes a village, and for every Webster Parish school I went to, there was a village waiting,” she wrote. “So here I am, more than ready to conquer the next chapter, not because I know the answers to every problem, but because I’ve been given the tools to dig deep and find those answers.”
Washington, a Springhill native and 1983 graduate of Springhill High School, served in several roles during his tenure with the Webster Parish School Board, including Supervisor of Child Welfare and Attendance and hearing officer. His career was marked by a commitment to respectful, dignified service and a deep belief in educational opportunity for all.
In other business, the board recognized Jonas Florence of Doyline High School and Xaeliin Gladney of North Webster High School as Outdoor State Track and Field Champions. It also approved a student trip to Paris, France, for Expanding Horizons participants in grades 9–12, scheduled for March 22–28, 2026. Funding will come from Gifted Allocated State Funds, with students responsible for part of the cost.
The board declared the old school sign and 30 computer tables at Doyline High School as surplus and approved budget revisions for FY 24-25 across General Funds, Parish-Wide Maintenance Tax Funds, 96 Sales Tax Funds, and School Food Service Funds. The LDOE Differentiated Pay Stipend will be issued June 17, 2025.
Policy updates included JCDAE (Cellular Telephones and Other Electronic Devices), GBRIC (Maternity and Adoptive Leave), and JGB (School Wellness).
New administrative appointments were announced for the 2025-2026 school year. Crystal Friday will serve as principal at Jones Elementary, with Dana Matthew as dean of students. Cortney McCall was named principal at Webster Junior High. Amy Howard will lead Browning Elementary, and Tessa Bryant Flournoy will become principal of Brown Upper Elementary, joined by Dr. Ashanti Cooper as dean of students.
The next regular board meeting is scheduled for July 7, 2025. The public is invited to attend.