Big Man On Campus Gets Homecoming Date With Eight
November 4, 2003

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON--Juanita High School senior Matt Louden, who has worked as the football team's water boy for years, had never been to a homecoming dance.

Never, that is, until this year, when he was asked by no fewer than eight -- count 'em -- eight girls, including four cheerleaders, to be their escort.

"More than any other kid I've taught over 18 years, Matt deserves to go to homecoming," said teacher Pat Leonard. "He's a big part of our school spirit."

When Louden, who has Down syndrome, came to the school two years ago, he immediately let the football coach Mike Pluschke know he wanted a job with the football team.

Since then he has become an important part of the school and the team. Coach Pluschke says Louden is "the guy who gets things done".

"When I got popular was when I got the job on the football team," said Louden, who hopes one day to work at Safeco Field. "My name started traveling around."

Monday's Seattle Times featured a story on Louden and his homecoming dates.

Entire article:
"A Juanita High senior gets to fulfill a dream" (Seattle Times)

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