Northern Wyoming News - Serving the Big Horn Basin for over 100 years

Ten Sleep School administrative assistant Janet Collen said she spent most of her life in Ten Sleep, where she grew up on a small ranch outside of town and went on to graduate from Ten Sleep School. After returning to the school to work 14 years ago, Collen now finds herself retiring on Dec. 21, the final day of the semester.

Before starting her job at Ten Sleep School, Collen said she had primarily worked in Worland and had to commute every day for work. Collen said she liked her jobs in Worland but after beginning work as the Ten Sleep School administrative assistant, Collen called it her, "fun job," and the easier commute was a bonus too.

While at the school, Collen's work varied. Collen said she primarily manned the office, where she answered phone calls, handled attendance, helped count lunch money and much more. Collen filled the position of business manager for a handful of years as well.

However, Collen said her favorite part of the job was getting to know the students at the school. "They are so sweet! They always make your day," said Collen. One of her favorite memories was hearing the kids at the school sing happy birthday to her while Collen was sick with COVID-19.

Collen said in this position, "I've learned a lot." One of her biggest takeaways from the job was that everyone has bad days, and that people just want someone to be there for them and listen. She said she tried to be a positive person for people to see at the school and according to Washakie County School District #2 superintendent Annie Griffin, Collen succeeded at this. During Collen's retirement party on Dec. 13, Griffin said, "[Collen's] sense of humor brightens a room and catches me off guard sometimes, which I just love. Her kindness and the consistency that she provided over the years for our students will be truly missed."

Griffin shared stories from several other staff members at the party on Dec. 13, which was held in the Ten Sleep School cafeteria filled by students, staff members, as well as Collen's family and friends.

Transportation and food service district worker Becca Searfoss said, "Janet is the most patient and kind person I know. She is the heart of the school, and she did her job with a smile and grace."

Physical education/health teacher Gabrielle Fox said, "I have so many memories of Janet that blend into my deep gratitude to her. Throughout her years working at school, she has been consistently kind, gracious, good-humored, and capable. She always does what she commits to. Whether serving parents, teachers, or kids, she has represented in every interaction the traits of a true Pioneer!"

Collen said she was a little nervous for her retirement party and all the attention, as she typically prefers to be behind the scenes, but following the party, she said, "[The staff] did an awesome job."

At the party, Collen received a plaque made by vocational teacher Jason Thoren and his students, bunches of flowers and balloons and gratitude from all who were in attendance.

Collen described entering retirement as bittersweet. "I'm really excited for this. You know, you work all your life for this [...] But they're like my family here too. I'll miss them," she said.

Collen and her husband, Ted Collen, plan to head down to Arizona for a few months in their fifth wheel toy hauler and hope to do additional traveling in future months.

Despite her upcoming trip, Collen said, "Ten Sleep will always be home to me."