Montbello High's New Principal Antwan Wilson

Wilson’s decision to become an administrator was fueled by encouragement from one of his high school teachers, as well as others who saw his potential.

"I had friends who were smart but not successful. I felt my experiences with teachers and certain adults who pushed and encouraged me made the difference in my success."

After a year teaching in Raleigh, NC, Wilson moved to Wichita, Kansas. In Kansas he was surrounded by friends and family. He began teaching social studies at Wichita High School as well as coaching the basketball and track teams. The 2000 plus student population provided the kind of diverse socioeconomic demographics that Wilson enjoyed working with--a mix of high academic achievers, with a baccalaureate program, as well as at-risk students struggling to keep from falling through the cracks.

While in Wichita Wilson received a master’s degree from Friends University. Upon graduation he was offered an administrative position at his alma mater Lincoln High School, an honor he could not pass up. Although he loved being at Lincoln High School, which has a diverse student population, the city of Lincoln did not offer the same diversity. "I couldn’t get used to the city of Lincoln the second time around."

Eventually Wilson returned to Wichita where he became principal of Pleasant Valley Middle School. "We were able to move (student test) scores upward during the ‘03-‘04 and ‘04-‘05 school years."Last year Wilson was presented with the opportunity to apply for the principal’s position at Montbello. Wilson had visited Montbello a year earlier so he was familiar with the school.

"I spent a day here and saw a lot of issues that needed to be addressed--but not with the kids. I wasn’t buying into what I was hearing. I felt like these kids can really surprise a lot of people."

Since accepting the position at Montbello, Wilson has put a few new rules in place. One of them is making sure students are not in the hallways and that teachers have a plan on the board so students always know what is expected of them.

"If you’re going to be here you’re going to be in class. Now our efforts need to focus on getting more out of them and attracting those who’ve left to come back to school."

Montbello’s school motto is "Success for all, no excuses." Along with the motto comes the acronym TEAM--Together Everyone Achieves More, which Wilson uses to let everyone know that it’s not up to him to bring Montbello to the highest levels of academic achievement but it takes a team effort of students, teachers, community leaders, and parents.

"He brings a new vision and a new focus for academic achievement at Montbello," says Assistant Area Superintendent Nicole Veltze. The changes implemented by Wilson are all in place to support students, emphasizes Veltze, which she feels line up with the vision of new Superintendent of Denver Public Schools, Michael Bennet, and the DPS strategic plan introduced in November designed to speed up the progress of educating students.

Principal Wilson lights up when talking about the future of Montbello students. "On Friday most folks say ‘Thank God It’s Friday.’ I say I can’t wait until Monday. I don’t sleep on Sunday night because I can’t wait to get here Monday morning. I tell the kids, "I want you to get your education so you can get paid to do what you love." I love what I do. I want to work with young people. I don’t have all the answers but feel confident that together we can do it. We have great kids and they show it everyday."


Editor’s note: The next open community meeting at Montbello High School will be held on Dec. 13 at 7 p.m. in the auditorium. Everyone is welcome to attend.