With 5:18 left in the first half of West Carroll’s homecoming game, the War Eagles were deep into their first drive of the second quarter, trailing Greenfield 16–0. The ball rested at Greenfield’s 39-yard line, and West Carroll called timeout to regroup on second-and-ten.
Behind the bleachers, a commotion swelled that didn’t match the rhythm of the game.
Dozens of parents and students gathered at the stadium’s entrance, holding up signs, shouting and cheering loudly. The noise drew glances from the sidelines, and by the time the game resumed, all eyes were on the spectacle.
It was a protest.
Community members organized in response to the recent termination of Bernard Lykes, a retired teacher and now former teacher assistant at West Carroll. Lykes was let go following an alleged incident with a student for which he was charged with assault. Supporters chose homecoming night to make their voices heard.
Writing scrawled across handmade signs had messages such as: “This school is BEST with Coach Lykes,” “Replace the ‘head’—save the ‘heart’ of our school!,” “The director works for us and has failed us!!,” “WCSSD needs leadership, not dictatorship,” and “I am the generation of change!!”
“Here he is!” someone in the crowd shouted.
Lykes appeared near the entrance, and was greeted with much fanfare. Students rushed over, calling his name. Parents hugged him, shook his hand, and shouted words of support. One person asked for his autograph. Others told him they missed him.
“If there was one person at school I trusted, it would be him,” said a parent who wished to remain anonymous. “My kids know him, I know him, and he’s always been there for this community.”
“He was always the first person here in the morning and the last to leave,” they continued. “The kids saw him every single day. He’s part of this place.”
Lykes kept his appearance brief. According to those present, he didn’t want to pull attention away from the game or risk students facing repercussions for participating.
“He told us he just wanted to let everyone know he saw us,” one mother said. “That’s who he is—humble. He didn’t make it about himself.”
As the game carried on, supporters lingered at the entrance, talking in small groups.
Trish Mitchell, who has children in the district, said she came out because students had been discouraged from speaking up.
“My oldest had Coach Lykes this year,” she said. “My sixth grader was supposed to have him next year. It breaks my heart that they won’t get that chance. If the students can’t talk, then somebody has to.”
Mitchell described the incident involving Lykes as being blown out of proportion.
“In thirty years, he’s never been in trouble. He’s the one always [encouraging] kids, like family,” she said. “It’s really easy for stories to get twisted, especially when students are involved.”
For many demonstrators, the issue extended beyond Lykes. It was also a way to challenge leadership and what they described as a culture that is pushing out trusted staff. Some parents pointed to Director Preston Caldwell’s leadership as a turning point, saying decision-making has become concentrated and communication more difficult.
“Caldwell came in talking about unity and family, but it’s been the opposite,” recalled a parent. “Good teachers are leaving because they have no support.”
Other administrators were also criticized.
“We as parents have to stand up because our children are watching,” said one mother. “If we don’t show them how to stand up for what’s right, nothing is ever going to change.”
After the demonstration dispersed, Jr./Sr. High School Principal Adam Douglas declined to comment.
Carroll County Observer emailed West Carroll’s District Office for comment, and will update should we receive a response.
