Who do you think of? 

A good boss? A role model that you look up to? 

How do they take charge? Do they go to bat for you, no matter what? 

When you think of someone leaving a legacy, what goes into that? What must one do in order to make a lasting impact on a place and the people there? 

At Green Level, it all starts with a specific routine. 

Every morning, before the sun even rises, Mrs. Summers has backed her car into her designated parking spot around 6:20 a.m., making sure she is one of the first to arrive at the school. 

Once the bell rings at 7 a.m., she’s always standing near the front entrance, welcoming students and staff with that big, notable smile. 

Unless you’re violating the dress code. Then the smile isn’t so big. 

Then she endures the countless daily meetings, observations, meetings, phone calls, check-ins, and meetings. Somehow, through all that work for a principal of a high school with over 2,200 students, she finds the strength to still do it with positivity and grace. Every day.

Summers has been doing it for the last seven years here at Green Level. Before then, she spent five years as the principal at that one school down the street. Before that, she was in charge of Davis Drive Middle School. Overall, her 35 years in education is coming to a close, as she will be retiring later this calendar year. She’ll continue through the summer, and help start the 2026-27 school year, before her official final day in October.

Some might say the three-plus decades in one profession is enough to “leave a legacy.” But it’s what you actually do with that time that will truly make an impact that people will remember.

It’s very telling when the overwhelming majority of your employers all have the same opinion – “best boss I’ve ever worked for.” It doesn’t matter if you’ve been with her for more than a decade, or less than a year.

“She’s always been one who cares more about people,” says Tammy Weller, one of our media specialists. “She’s been the ultimate cheerleader and one we could always trust. That’s a huge deal.”

Athletic Director Colin Fegeley began his career working with Summers at Green Hope High School, before they both moved to Green Level to help open the school in 2019.

“I always tell our seniors and coaches to leave this place better than they found it,” Fegeley said. “But Summers didn’t find Green Level. She built it. From the very first day we opened our doors, she set the tone for what this school would be, and everything we have accomplished as a program, everything our student-athletes have achieved is built on the foundation she laid.”

He calls his 12 years working alongside Summers “one of the greatest privileges” of his career.

Many people say a strong leader doesn’t just boss their colleagues around, but rather leads alongside them and leads by example. Karen Summers is a great example of that, according to English teacher Sara Hurd.

“Karen sets high standards for herself, her team, her staff, and her students,” Hurd said. “She inspires us all to strive toward those standards every day, while also holding space for our humanity and extending grace as we all learn and grow together.”

Hurd also noted that Summers doesn’t shy away from tough conversations.

“She knows that’s where the most important learning comes from.”

“She has intentionally built a team of leaders who complement one another in all the best ways and put their people first,” Hurd added. “She listens genuinely to our feedback, and makes all of us feel seen, heard, and appreciated.”

Matt Sonstroem came to Green Level High School in its second year of existence. He says that decision – in the middle of the COVID pandemic – was one of the best he’s ever made – and it’s all because of Summers.

“She led with steady confidence, treated every staff member with respect, and consistently put students at the center of every decision,” Sonstroem said. “She has an ability to make teachers feel trusted, supported, and valued.”

Sonstroem also mentioned that the leadership from Summers inspired growth, encouraged collaboration and reminded everyone that strong schools are built through relationships.

Other words that teachers use to describe Summers include:
Loving.
Friend.
Incredible.
Legend.
Unforgettable.

Wondering how Green Level students describe their principal?

Compassionate.
Wholesome.
Involving.
Epic.

For the last seven years, she has arrived at the school every day before the sun rises. But now, the sun is setting on a remarkable career. We might not see that notable smile and hear “Hey Y’all, it’s Summers” on the school intercom anymore, but her dedication to this school, and the impact it had, will be present for years to come.

Now, this is the part of the article where my students are probably going to call me a hypocrite because they’ve spent all semester being told not to write news stories in first person.

Mrs. Summers, I want to personally thank you for giving me this opportunity.

I have said this since my first day here at “The Swamp” – I am lucky to have found a place like this, and to work alongside some incredible people. This has become my second family. And that family feeling all starts at the top. The atmosphere that you created has always been welcoming.

You took a chance on a guy who might not have had teaching experience, but had experience in communications, media, and journalism…and a passion to teach all about it. And even when I went through some personal struggles, your “mom” instinct kicked in and you were there for me.

Your kindness, thoughtfulness, fairness, and graciousness have always been noticed.

Summers, I can’t thank you enough for how you changed my life. You have changed all of our lives. The students. The teachers and staff. The parents. The entire Green Level community. And we thank you for being an amazing leader and leaving behind an incredible legacy. We wish you a happy, fulfilling retirement!