Music that Describes Colleen
Colleen Owens was nominated by her colleague, Sandy Austin.
As a leader, I am dedicated to caring about others, providing opportunities for students and staff, and making sure that our community maintains strong bonds with the school. No leader is successful without having a strong support system.
Ms. Owens made this statement in response to being named the 2016 Colorado High School Principal of the Year. In 2011, when she took over as principal of Green Mountain High School, the school was coming out of a very difficult time which saw the school lose the enrollment of about 500 of 1,600 students. She was an alum of GMHS, and it tore her heart out to see the decline of the school. She was the perfect person to rise up as principal because she was already beloved by the community as a teacher and assistant principal at GMHS. Stepping into the principal’s job, she knew it would take a miracle to turn things around. The alumni and community had been calling for change, and there was even a threat from the outside of the school being closed. So, when she stepped into the principal’s office that first day, her miracle worker’s magic began. Knowing her history there shows why only she could turn things around so dramatically.
As an English teacher at Green Mountain, she knew how to foster pride in everyone she worked with – students and staff alike. She became the Student Senate sponsor and brought back the homecoming parade, which had been a key factor in bringing the community together years before. Ms. Owens re-established many traditions, but as a teacher, her efforts could only go so far. She was one of the students' favorite teachers. She believed in students and inspired them to dream big dreams for their futures. The parents considered her a true partner in the education of their kids, and they knew they could talk to her about anything their students were going through, not just the English content. However, that impact was limited to only those 150 students in her classes, and the twenty or so Student Senate reps.
Shortly after Ms. Owens became an Assistant Principal, Green Mountain entered into a dark time because of circumstances out of her control. Morale dropped as the school sank into the ashes. A part of Green Mountain's decline was other schools in the area getting new construction. After a lot of research, Ms. Owens figured out how GM could get onto the cutting edge again. She shed a glimmer of hope as she inspired the school to, among other things, pursue a career academy model of instruction, becoming one of only three schools in the state to do so. She was brilliant in understanding how to rally the community, businesses, parents, and students with her vision for the academy model, which expanded when she became Principal.
The program was rolled out after hundreds of hours of collaboration. Schools from all over the country started visiting GMHS to learn what Ms. Owens and her teams had created. They even won the “Succeeds Prize for Excellence in Education Innovation” with $15,000 to put into the academy program. The hours Ms. Owens put into helping Green Mountain rise out of the ashes was probably double the time most principals put into their jobs! She's the type of principal staff dream of having, the type who values their work, gives them opportunities to grow in their craft, and encourages them to share their expertise so they can inspire others, too. She genuinely made each staff person and student feel like they were a valued part of a school.
Ms. Owens rallied the seven school principals in the articulation area to come together and work in an incredible way like never before. They revamped the “Community Connections” committee of parents, businesses, and school staff representing all schools to work together for the schools and community. They worked together to bring about Ms. Owens' vision of a Green Mountain Foundation to help raise funding for vital programs that would bolster the schools’ effectiveness.
There are too many of Ms. Owens' accomplishments to mention, and she never sought any glory of her own. She is a highly respected leader at the local, state, and national levels. She elevated everyone else in her presence. Ms. Owens was a Pied Piper who created a cohesive effort to help the Green Mountain area become like a phoenix rising and strive to become the premier school in Colorado that she had always envisioned. Ms. Owens brilliantly captured the alumni’s hopes and dreams of improving the school by starting a Hall of Fame, which has helped garner their support in restoring pride in the community.
What Ms. Owens did at Green Mountain High School can only be described as phenomenal and miraculous. What rose out of the fear and grief in the community because of the decline of the school and the possibility of the school closing, ended up as Green Mountain becoming an exemplary school that other schools are replicating. Her impact has been recognized by many awards, including her selection as the Colorado High School Principal of the Year by the Colorado Association of School Executives in 2016, and the 2021 Lifetime Achievement Award by the Jefferson County Administrators Association.
"Colleen shows what is working so well in education," said Austin. "She would be a great example of what a true LifeChanger looks like, to inspire other educators and show them how they can help their schools rise out of the ashes, too!"
What can one say about Mrs Owens? This woman is amazing. Im also a graduate of GMHS. After my son not having much luck there in the 90s. I was looking for a High school for my granddaughter in 2019 and spoke with so many neighbors and meeting with her we were in. She brought back Ram Nation. She help make students proud of were they went to school . Students and parents could talk to her about anything . I didn't see her miss one sport event. She will truly be missed .
Colleen has done an amazing job as principal at Green Mountain High School. She is a hard-working, dedicated individual, but more impressive is her patience, kindness and compassion. She always made herself available for parents and students. She listened and tried to navigate a good solution for all involved whenever a problem arose. She made great efforts to honor past staff members and students as she strived to build a community - rather than just staying focused on what was in front of her. She wanted to the needs and interests of all students to be met - but it was important for her to make sure school was not only a place of learning, but also where people could have fun together.
When I first heard of Mrs. Owens' retirement, I thought about how much she'd be missed and how much she's done for Green Mountain. When my daughter, son, and their friends heard the news, they all expressed a similar idea. They knew that Mrs. Owens was there for them. All students, from those who excelled to those who struggled, knew her as someone they could talk with and all were happy to greet her on her frequent walks around the hallways. I know she has changed many lives with her caring dedication to education and her focus on the wellbeing of students. Thank you Mrs. Owens and enjoy your retirement!
She deserves this. I graduated from GM 3 years ago, however Ms. Owens still continues to make an impact on the community around her. She was the soul of GM and I wouldn’t like anyone else to have this award!
In April 2019, my daughter was finishing up her freshman year at GMHS. She was facing intense emotional and mental health issues that were interfering with school and life overall. I will never forget when we had a meeting with Mrs. Owens and the grace and hope she extended to my daughter was our life-changer. Although we faced many hardships, I am proud to say I will be a mother of a 2022 graduate next spring. Just a flicker of hope can change the world one young heart at a time. Thank you Mrs. Owens!
i graduated from GM in the spring of 2018. after having to change my spring semester plans Owens stepped in and help make sure i graduates with my class. Couldn’t have asked or a better principal!
Hello!
Mrs.Owens was such a wonderful person. One of a kind human being. No matter what she always treated you with respect and kindness! What she has done for green mountain is wonderful. I was so happy to see Mrs.Owens in the hallway and she would always go out of her way to say hello! Even after all these years she still remembers me and my dad who would frequently work with her (Bill Thaemert). Really honored I got to be apart of her legacy!! Enjoy you retirement Mrs.Owens!!! Whatever you do after I know you will do great!!!
One of the very best things to happen to Green Mountain High School was our principal, Colleen Owens. She was a phenomenal leader, supportive colleague, and a spirited GM alum. Her hard work, dedication, and passion never went unnoticed. Thanks for all you have done, Mrs. Owens!
Mrs Owens has made a life changing impact on students in the Green Mountain High School community for several years. The Academies Programs helps students find their career pathways and take meaningful classes to help them find and follow their dreams. Students who completed the program enter college or technical programs with confidence and determination. Truly life-changing opportunities for hundreds of young adults makes her an excellent choice for this esteemed award.
Mrs. Owens, was an incredible ally to me while I attend Green Mountain. She vouched for me, believed in me when most people didn’t, encouraged me to keep going, and had my back. She and the staff she had in place at Green Mountain was one of the reason I can’t type this today. Instead of giving up on me, she did everything to help me succeed. If anyone deserves this it’s Mrs. Owens!
Mrs. Owens was one of the only teachers my freshman year that I felt actually cared. I can remember her staying after school to let me sit in her classroom and work on schoolwork I was missing because of my home life going on. When I felt so alone Mrs.Owens let me know that I am cared about and I can do this. She changed my life and I am forever grateful to her.
Colleen is a true visionary. I have had the pleasure, as a parent of 3 Green Mountain High School graduates, to work closely with Colleen. Sitting with her during PTA, Accountability and Green Mountain Foundation meetings has allowed me to experience her passion, dedication and drive for excellence. She is tireless in her efforts to improve the high school experience for her students and she is adept at getting the community interested and involved in her efforts. The Academy Program, which allowed all 3 of my students tp expand their interests, would not be in existence without Colleen's vision and hard work. She involved parents and the community with the creation of the Academy Advisory Board. On a personal level, she makes her students feel welcome, included, valued and heard. GMHS is a successful, vibrant and inclusive school because of Colleen. We will be forever grateful!
Thank you Colleen for all your dedication, patience and hard work you have put into rebuilding the reputation of Green Mountain high school, creating the academies and all the opportunities for the students and staff. You will be dearly missed!
Colleen Owens's hard work, dedication, strength of leadership, and character have had an incredible impact on Green Mountain High School and the Green Mountain community. Her vision has helped guide and implement the Acadamy program at the High School level and feeder schools providing deeper and more authentic learning for our students. Her ability to listen, lead and love has left a Life Changing mark on our community. Thank you, Colleen!
To know Colleen Owens and be part of her world, no matter how big or small is truly a gift for anyone who has been fortunate enough to have that opportunity! My family and I have had that great fortune and will be forever grateful. Colleen has touched the lives of so many young people and their families. I don't think she knows the true impact she has had on this community and the number of lives she has been instrumental in changing. To say that Colleen is a life changer is an understatement. Colleen's passion, empathy and integrity are just a few of her amazing qualities. Students and families in the GM community have been blessed by her leadership. Thank you Colleen for giving so much of yourself to all of us for so many years!
Colleen Owens embodies what it means to be a life changer. This goes well beyond the incredible growth and improvement of GMHS and its programs, beyond the impressive level of respect she has earned at the school and throughout the community, and well beyond the awards and titles that can sometimes feel empty if you don’t truly understand the immense amount of time and effort she dedicated to achieve them.
I am the mom of two boys at GMHS. From my perspective, Colleen is a life changer every day due to how she brings her leadership to an “individual” level. Not by micromanaging, but by listening. She takes as much time as needed to listen to anyone who wants to say something…about anything. She takes time to evaluate what you have said and then determines if it is something that can be put into action or not. Then, she lifts you up, supports you and inspires you. She does it in a respectful, patient, kind and graceful way. Whether you are a student, teacher, staff, leader, community member, etc., you can tell she WANTS to listen. It is obvious she never stops searching for “how to make it better” and “how to lift up ALL students.” She wants to make a difference in the lives of others and improve their experiences. She wants to set a strong foundation for the future of our youth. She wants to adapt as needed and is always open to feedback to make that happen. She strives to be a life changer.
My eldest is a recent graduate. He has profound respect for Colleen. Being very studious, high school could’ve gone one of two ways for my son. 1) being bullied and made to feel like he had to shy away from others in order to reach his goals or 2) be lifted up and empowered to be an inspiration and resource for other students. With the support of Colleen, her staff, and many teachers, my son became a leader and a respected student. Literal life guider and life changer.
My youngest is a rising Junior. It would be so easy for a principal to be overwhelmed and only focus on getting kids through the pandemic, but Colleen still made herself even more available. Her weekly video messages kept us all calm and focused on doing the best we can. Her personal compassion toward my son when we lost a family member was very touching. Feeling like someone cares and relates to you is life changing. My son feels safe and supported and comfortable at school. Principals could easily lead by the rules with a firm voice and excessive expectations and only be seen unless there is a discipline issue - not Colleen Owens. She is a life changer and knows how to inspire the best out of people with remarkable success.
It has been an honor for my kids to have had her as their principal. And as Colleen always says, “we are one community and we believe in Ramnation!”
Coleen- it will be hard to imagine Green Mountain High School without you. Your passion for the kids, staff and school were evident in every encounter I had with you the past 5 years. I can only hope that the GM community realizes your tireless contribution to the welfare of each and every student- how you cheered for them when they succeeded and supported them when they faltered. You will be missed- I wish you all the best on your next step in life.
Colleen is a true leader, she inspires others to strive for greatness. Whilst she has helped to create a positive learning environment for our students, the staff and our wider community through the Academy Program, rigorous AP classes, community groups, parent learning seminars and her work in safety and health. She is equally humble as she will always offer credit to “the team”, “you guys”, “the staff” Colleen is a connector, she finds the best way to approach a need and brings the right people to the table to help make it happen, to positively impact and change the lives of her students, staff and community. It has been a privilege to have our children attend GMHS, they truly value the caring community Colleen has helped to build. Whilst she may not be handing out diplomas to future graduating seniors, you can say with all sincerity, her work and the legacy she has created will be embodied in their future accomplishments as well. It is with true gratitude that I share how thankful our family is for her leadership, guidance, caring, concern and community building. Thank You Colleen! Your impact for our family will be life long and has already been life changing!
As a parent of a student in the band, I was so happy to see this wonderful principal support the arts. The Band went through a huge transition. It made such a difference in my child's life to be part of a school where the principal, Ms. Owens, invested in this important activity. With her backing, these kids had a place where they learned values and standards and learned to depend on one another in the pursuit of their excellence. They learned about responsibility, doing their fair share, and sticking to a common goal. The thrill of performance, applause, and recognition that she was part of from the stands was great too! Ms. Owens had to rearrange budgets and swoop in and help during some major challenges. She did it! With her support, coordination, cheerleading, finances, etc, the Marching RAMS became state finalists.
Not every principal is able nor interested in supporting and validating the Band! We are so thankful for all she did!
I have had the great pleasure of working for Colleen for the past 10 years at GMHS. I have worked with her as a teacher and an assistant principal and I owe her so much for my own personal and professional growth. She is a great leader who has fought tooth and nail for GMHS over the year, improving enrollment and expanding programs. Without her, my own program, video production, would not exist and our Academy program would not be where it is today. She has been the calm and steady presence through the highs and lows of the past 10 years and I cannot imagine where we or myself, would be without her. She has touched the lives of countless students, families, community members and staff of the Green Mountain Area and I cannot think of anyone more deserving of this award than her!
I knew Colleen when she was an Assistant Principal at GMHS. Colleen worked tirelessly for her students, bringing programs to bring students together, build school spirit, and build a community that believed in the school. When I graduated, Colleen was selected to be principal the following year; and I wish I could have experienced one year with her leading the school! She truly loves the students and community, and helped them both in every way that she could!
Thank you Colleen. Your passion, dedication and diligence has greatly benefited my children, our family and the Green Mountain community as a whole. You will be missed but it’s obvious that Green Mountain high school will continue to reap the rewards of your efforts for years to come.
Colleen Owens is Green Mountain High School is Colleen Owens. To me, you can't think of one without the other. I had the privilege as a parent to sit in meetings with Colleen for the past 8 years for the PTA, Accountability, Advisory Board and GM Foundation. I saw first hand how passionate Colleen was about educating herself and her staff on how to enrich the educational experience of the students at GMHS. I witnessed Colleen lead the school with compassion, caring and heart for the students and their families always with the goal in mind to make things better and better for them. To me when I think of Colleen, I feel like she was the "Mom' to everyone at the school. She cared that much about each kid like they were her own. I remember in a meeting once she said "all the work we are doing, we may not see right away, but we need to keep doing it so we can leave the school greater than it ever was for future generations". She never stopped trying to improve upon what had already been done. Her warm smile, kindness, and caring heart will be missed and she undoubtedly made a tremendous positive impact on all the kids that were lucky enough to have her as their Principal!
Colleen put Green Mountain High School on the map! Her vision to create an academy program was one of a kind in our area and now is viewed as a model for other high schools. I have always been impressed by her dedication to the success of the school and as I have gotten to know her over the years it is clear that she cares deeply for each student and staff and their individual success. She made the school and the whole articulation area a community. While the term "RAMNATION" was coined before my family arrived at the school I would bet that she created it and the atmosphere it fostered. Colleen will be missed but she has laid the ground work for the school, students and staff to continue to excel! Congratulations!
Mrs. Owens is truly amazing and the backbone of Ram Nation. Her kindness and leadership has made the GM community what it is today. She was my senate sponsor when I was a senior in 2007 and I am amazed to see all that she has accomplished since. Being a teacher myself in the community, it has been an honor to watch and work with her and how she rallies the feeder schools and brings the GM articulation area together. Her leadership and hopeful vision will be truly missed in this community.
Colleen was a true difference maker during her tenure at Green Mountain High School. She recognized and embraced that high school was not a cookie cutter, one-size fits all proposition for her students. For students whose goals/destinies were to succeed at some of the most prestigious and admired colleges/universities in the world, Colleen's implementation of Jefferson County's most rigorous Advanced Placement program was a clear differentiator. Additionally, her transformation to the use of an Academy model prepared both college-bound students and those directly entering the workforce to take the world on with a running start. They may not have known it, but Colleen's students/graduates always had an edge over their peers. And although her impact was largest on her students, Colleen understood that Green Mountain High School had the privilege and for that matter, the responsibility, to positively influence the larger community. It's impossible to remember how many community groups she created or participated in for the good of the school and the community. Green Mountain High School and the surrounding community are much better places because of Colleen Owens.
When Mrs. Owens became principal, she showed her enthusiasm for bettering the school and community. It has been fun to see her accomplishments over the years.
Mrs. Owens was a caring, hardworking, and compassionate Principal during my time at Green Mountain. She went above and beyond for everyone and for everything she set her mind too. She changes lives EVERY year, not just this year.
Colleen in my opinion was a fantastic mentor. She loved her school and she loved her students. Believed in them and encouraged them and truly assisted them in achieving their goals. My girls were fortunate to have her as their principal and they LOVED their HS experience. Congrats on this nomination.
Hey Ms. Owens! Congrats on the nomination! I remember when I was in GMHS... long time ago! I'm now 32, have a 1yr old, and live in New Jersey haha
You were a great principal. I remember being there when you first started as Vice Principal I think, and I might have been there when you became Principal but can't remember.
I just remember occasionally when you'd walk through the halls to check out things going on and I always felt like – even though most of my friends didn't like principals in our schools – I could easily ask you any question and you'd always be nice and friendly to me and other students (even though students are scared of principals haha). I always appreciated that and felt like you were able to relate to me.
It was funny – I think on the surface, kids try to play cool as though they hate the principal, but you were one of the few principals that, although no one wanted to admit it because they wouldn't look "cool," most students really liked you a lot because you always looked out for their best interests.
Thanks and good luck with this Lifechanger of the Year award!
Mrs. Owen's is a wonderful and caring person. She made such a large and lasting impact on every student she encountered. I watched her blossom from an excited English teacher to the queen of the school. She created a legacy superior to those before her. She made our school a better place starting from the bottom all the way to the top. She made every student and teacher feel heard and accepted.
Colleen is such a life changer for all those she meets!!! She has an infectious personality and so deserves this life changer award. She has impacted the lives of thousands of students, parents, staff and community members! I have the great pleasure to call her my friend and I know through her my life was changed for the better!
Stacey Collis
Please considerate Colleen for this award. Have known her for 20 years. Serving beside her at numerous events she changes anyone who is near! Her dedication to the Green Mountain community has been life long fir her. Colleen made a difference as a teacher and then as the Principal at GMHS. Please commend her.
Ms. Owens! I couldn't think of a more deserving person for this type of award. I was a student in her English class and as the article explained, her sights were larger than a single class. The pride and dedication she put into the school and the community was leadership in its most fundamental way. Everyone started believing that things could improve with Ms Owen's presence. She is also a massively hard worker! I remember her pacing the hallways in a GM t shirt and her hair bouncing as she went from one after school activity to the next. Always stopping to say hello and taking a genuine interest in people. The green mountain family is lucky to have Ms Owens!
I’ve read the comments and truth is spoken in all Coleen is and has done. She was exactly what was needed from her beginning at GMHS as most caring and understanding staff member. Students were blessed to have her as their teacher! Parents could always connect with her and trust her! What she stepped into was such a difficult position and she believed in what could happen. The rest has been shared on the posts. Thankful for all the support and determination!
Very proud to say my daughter is a GMHS GRADUATE and so blessed to have Coleen a part of her experience
Colleen set the tone for not only the high school campus, she set the tone in the community. Working to connect, honor and meet each person where they were at is her gift.
Colleen was one of the best supervisor's that I have ever had the pleasure of working with. She's the best at fostering peoples' strengths and helping them become better. No one is more deserving of this honor.
Mrs. Owens positively impacted the Green Mountain community throughout her years in the area. The caring atmosphere she created for every student and family are second to none!
Colleen Owens is one of a kind. Both of my GMHS graduates were lucky to have her as their principal. The heart of Green Mountain High School has been Colleen and even though she is retiring she has brought so much to the school that she will never truly be gone. She is kind, welcoming and helpful to everyone who walks through the doors. Her love of this school and the surrounding community is evident when you first meet her and this love has brought GMHS to new heights. She is a true LifeChanger for this entire community and I am so thankful I was able to get to know her!
I have volunteered at Green Mountain High School for six years, and I am an educator with a thirty-year tenure in Jefferson County Schools. I have had the fortune of working with several exemplary leaders, but Colleen is a leader who outshines them all. She consistently recognized and supported a very talented staff, and was a role model to be emulated by all who knew her. She established the the Academy Program which was one of the few in the state and beyond. Under her leadership, Green Mountain High School students had opportunity to concretely understand that High School is a pathway to their future. She accomplished this by instituting a structure and vision which encouraged students to connect with the world of work and acquire the skills needed to thrive in that world. I am sure most respondents who are supporting Colleen will praise her energy; it was infectious. All Green Mountain staff members, students and the Green Mountain community owe her a great debt of gratitude. Her influence will live on.
Ms. Owens was GMHS' biggest cheerleader. She energetically supported the students from within the school walls and at almost every extra curricular events and the students truly felt she cared for each and every student's success. She tirelessly supported the parents and community members by attending evening meetings organizing efforts going towards the school. She also supported the large teaching staff by allowing the teachers to have a say in the class curriculum and setting attainable goals in moving the school onward and upward. She was largely involved with the community getting real life opportunities for the students and teachers. She is an amazing leader and I feel privileged to have worked with her and having my children attend the amazing high school.
Principal Owens is by far the best principal I have ever had the pleasure to work for and with. During the 2017-2018 school year she worked tirelessly to bring me to Jeffco and Green Mountain High School after working for 17 years in a different Colorado school district. What attracted me to the opportunity was that she was the only principal I met during my search who had a complete vision and knew exactly how the programs I lead (Geometry in Construction and AMPED on Algebra) could not only exist but could also expand and thrive within her building. Furthermore she also presented me with clear strategies of how these programs could help other willing Jeffco communities by adopting the programs. During one of my interviews with her she kept saying that it was the "right time, right place, and right circumstances" for these programs to be started at GMHS as well as across the district. Now, three years later there have been many improvements to both programs by incorporating them into the Academy system including: A. Reestablishment of skilled trades and industry education at GMHS after programs like these were stripped from the school in 1992, B. The complete building remodel utilizing Jeffco voter approved funding through the passing of 5B, and C. The successful spread of the AMPED on Algebra and Geometry in Construction programs throughout ten other Jeffco schools. During each step of the way, Principal Owens has always been in the background fanning the flames of change and supporting everyone involved including others outside of GMHS. Her vision and understanding of how Career and Technical Education (CTE) and the methodology and techniques utilized throughout all CTE programs is unparalleled amongst fellow principals throughout the state. The impacts and improvements to education, our school, our staff, our students, and the entire Jeffco community are worthy of every possible award she could possibly be nominated for. I feel honored and extremely lucky that I have had the opportunity to work with Colleen Owens for the past three years and I plan to carry out our shared vision over many years to come.
Colleen epitomizes what a "life changer" is and can be. Following the opportunities in the school where she taught and lived she rose to the position of principal. The school, Green Mountain High School, is a place of learning but also a place of world transformation. Beyond the classroom Colleen befriended and mentored 1000's of students during her tenure. Not being cut out of the normal school admin role, Colleen excelled in relationship and, "pathway to success" building. That "Pathway" comment extends beyond the way the school academic, social and structural organization of the school, Colleen set out to build a network of connection for the entire community! Each month the Green Mountain Community Connection group meets to hear, share and support the schools in the area and through that the students and families in the broader community. This has become a model of the "best of the best" for schools and neighborhoods across the Metro area. I gladly recommend Colleen for the Life Changer of the year award. Thanks for this consideration.
Thank you so much for all you did for GMHS. The five years our family was there would not have been the same! Your door was always open to us and you were always at the events to support these students. Enjoy your retirement you deserve it! Do it while you are young ??
Colleen was a great principal and so good at communicating and connecting with both students and parents.
Colleen is the backbone of the Green Mountain Area. As an area elementary principal, she created a vision that all of the elementary schools believed in. We worked closely so that we would be aligned as an articulation area. She always put the needs of students and the community first and created a high school that is truly like no other. Students from GMHS have the world in front of them and will be able to succeed in many different ways thanks to the pathways they were able to experience during their years at Green Mountain High School. I am proud to call Colleen a colleague and a friend. Her leadership will be missed in our community.
Colleen is one of the most amazing people I have ever had the pleasure of being around. She single handedly saved our neighborhood high school. Colleen came in as principal at a time when Green Mountain High School had lost it's way and she provided the structure and growth it so desperately needed. She was a steady leader throughout her tenure and brought GMHS back to being a premier high school. I am so thankful for all she has done to help strengthen our community.
I have worked with many people and a few principals in my 23 years in Jeffco. I believe whole heartedly that Colleen Owens stands out above all others as someone who cares deeply about her students, her staff, and her community. She worked non-stop and tirelessly to make Green Mountain the school it is today. She always listened to her staff with their ideas and suggestions, and worked to make their ideas into a reality. She also worked closely with our community which gained growing support for our school. She will be deeply missed and always remembered in our community.
Colleen Owens is a masterful educator and gifted school principal. Her exemplary leadership and school vision are only matched by her love of learning, passion for student achievement, and effective communication joining together staff and community under a common educational vision. I have deep respect and admiration for Mrs. Owens and pay close attention when she speaks as her messages are always thoughtful, meaningful, and guided by a value system based on best practice for student learning. She is an amazing human being who simply makes those around her better.
Colleen has been a strong, passionate and inspirational leader in Jeffco. She is highly respected by administrators across our organization. She is always willing to listen, empathize and provide advice or consult when asked. She is an advocate for students and staff, a selfless human being and is dedicated to supporting each individual's success and accomplishments. Colleen will leave a lasting legacy in Jeffco for which we are all grateful. Thank you, Colleen, for all of the time, passion and love you have dedicated to our students, staff, community and to the system improvements that we’ve been able to accomplish.
Colleen has been a leader that I have always looked up to. She is an advocate for students and is not afraid to push to do what is right. Her efforts at Green Mountain High School have left a huge impact on the students, staff, and community. Colleen has devoted her life to the GMHS community and the programming and success are a direct result of her efforts. For me, she has made my transition smooth and acted as a mentor. I will always be grateful for her caring, compassionate, and thoughtful approach to leadership.
Our son had serious health issues his junior and senior years (2013-2015). You and your staff worked closely with our family to make sure our son still got a high quality education. As a result he still graduated on time and went on to earn a BS from the University of Denver and will be starting graduate school this fall at the University of Colorado -Boulder. Thanks for your caring and your leadership.
Thank you for the powerful example you have always set as a committed, innovative, compassionate, ethical leader. The difference you’ve made will continue to matter for many, many years.
Ms. Owens has always done an amazing job of building a strong sense of community at GMHS. This was especially different and difficult yet important this past year. Through the pandemic she led her staff and students with a positive message and leading through open communication. She has always looked for innovative teaching approaches and programs for the school which really give the kids the best opportunities. She will be missed at GMHS.
Colleen has worked relentlessly for Jeffco and Green Mountain students. I will never forget when she showed up at a funeral for a students loved one. She is top-notch!
Colleen is an exemplary leader that made a lasting impact on me professional and personally.
I had the opportunity to benefit from her leadership as a staff member and during a principal internship. Through these roles I witnessed her consistently do more than expected and work to make GMHS highly regarded in all areas of the school.
Mrs. Owen's is the reason we wanted to attend GMHS. We live in the Lakewood articulation area, but Colleen's reputation made GMHS home. The staff and school are hands down the best in Jeffco.
I’m so grateful Mrs. Owens took over while my son was going to GMHS! She really did turn the school around. She would be at all of his games supporting her students! I’m sad to see her retire but no one deserves it more then she does! Thank you for all you’ve done for GMHS!!
Colleen has been such an advocate for students and our community through her years at Green Mountain and was truly an amazing person a principal! Mrs.Owens has done so much for the Green Mountain community and has crafted Green Mountain into a premier high school in Colorado through her time and dedication of the academy programs and drive to produce college and career ready students out of high school! There is no one more deserving then Mrs. Owens for this award.
