[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 66 (Thursday, April 28, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E617]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





                             COLLEEN OWENS

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. ED PERLMUTTER

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 28, 2016

  Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and applaud 
Colleen Owens for her award of Colorado's 2016 High School Principal of 
the Year. The Colorado Association of School Executives (CASE) and a 
committee of her peers from the Colorado Association of Secondary 
School Principals (CASSP) chose Principal Owens for this award.
   For over five years Principal Owens has passionately worked to be a 
positive influence in the lives of students, teachers, parents and our 
community. She has sought to eliminate and improve upon many of the 
issues the school was facing, including a drastically decreasing 
enrollment of nearly 100 students per year. Her tireless efforts to 
help establish a firm sense of community to ``RamNation'' (as the 
school community is called) have helped to stabilize and reach new 
levels of engagement and achievement. She was also instrumental in 
bringing the one-of-a-kind Academy Program--which offers courses 
ranging from engineering, health, business, performing arts, global 
studies, and more--to help students prepare for college and other 
career opportunities.
   Principal Owens's roots are deep within Green Mountain School. An 
alumna herself, she has served diverse roles at Green Mountain High 
School including student, teacher and assistant principal. In addition 
to supporting student success through the Academy model, Principal 
Owens promotes strong instruction and teacher development through 
Professional Learning Communities. Beyond her role in leading both 
students and staff, Owens has worked vigorously to strengthen the 
school's communication.
   To say she is an accomplished administrator is an understatement. 
Principal Owens' dedication and enthusiasm for education is reflected 
in her exemplary contributions to the profession. I extend my deepest 
thanks to Principal Owens for her service to the students of Green 
Mountain High School. Thank you for your continuous dedication to 
education and to our local community.

                          ____________________