Mother, coach, volunteer, educator, and support system can all describe Amy Haxton. Haxton, combined with her partner Kyle, has five kids; Quincy, Mason, Kanye, Leyton, and Khary. 

Her son Kanye was diagnosed with autism just a few months after moving back to Hoisington during the 2006-2007 school year. This raised challenges for Haxton but she didn’t shy away she pushed through, coming out the stronger and more compassionate person that she is today. The year 2012 marks the beginning of “The Kanye Cross Autism Awareness Project.”

This project raised funds to be used to help teachers that want to attend an autism conference. These funds can also be requested by teachers for items that may be necessary to student success. To Haxton’s knowledge there are still funds ready for use. 

Currently, Haxton works at Hoisington High School as a Special Education teacher. She completed one year in of teaching in Great Bend and is on her second year in Hoisington. 

Haxton is involved in the school and community in other ways, too. She is an assistant coach for the Hoisington High School softball team and was recently approved to be the new high school cheer coach as well. 

In previous years, Haxton has participated in Autism Awareness discussion panels when the Pilot Club hosts their autism conferences. She is a part of the Hoisington booster club and has been for eight years, during her time she has held an officer position. While she is no longer an officer she still helps by “supervising dances, the after-prom party, back-to-school bashes, and just any activities they need help with.”

Growing up in Hoisington

“I wasn’t born here (Hoisington),” Haxton said, “but we moved here before I was 1.” Haxton graduated from Hoisington High School and played softball for four years at Bethany College in Lindsborg. She graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Recreation Administration and worked at the Hutchinson Rec. Before long a director position opened up in Hoisington at the Recreation Center, Haxton took the opportunity and moved back to her hometown. 

“I was just like any high school student, I wanted to get out of here,” Haxton said. “Something obviously pulled me back, more than just a job opportunity that in the end turned out to not be for me.”

After becoming a single mom and navigating the new challenges life was presenting, she found herself with opportunities as well. Her path led her to her husband Kyle Haxton. After growing up near each other for most of their lives, they met at a Halloween party later on in adulthood.

“My favorite story growing up was Cinderella,” Haxton said. “I had known who Kyle was since we had grown up in nearby towns, but before we had actually met I saw him at a Halloween party dressed as Prince Charming.” 

Haxton recently obtained her Master’s degree in Special Education in December 2022 through Fort Hays State University. This apprenticeship program put Haxton in a special education classroom while she was also taking master classes. 

In addition to coaching high school softball she also volunteers her time in the summer to coach the Hoisington Heat softball club. 

When asked about her hobbies, Haxton said, with adoration, “my kids.” There is always something to be done or someone to watch she said. However, when Haxton has a free moment she enjoys spending it exercising with the newest Haxton, Ace, a golden doodle.

Community Connections is a regular feature of the Great Bend Tribune, showcasing people who live in the Golden Belt. We welcome readers to submit names of individuals who are active in the community that they would like to see featured in a future story. Send suggestions to news@gbtribune.com and explain their “community connections.”