Every school has rules, but at Fossil Ridge High School, Steven Leslie enforces them with wisdom, kindness, and care. Leslie isn’t just a hall monitor, he’s a mentor, a role model, and a friendly face in the hallways. Whether he’s offering advice, keeping students on track, or simply sharing a joke to brighten someone’s day, Leslie’s impact goes far beyond just being a hall monitor.
“So that’s probably what I enjoy the most, student contact,” Leslie said.
Leslie is a well respected and admired Faculty member. Leslie is loved at every place has worked because of his ability to create and maintain good relationships with the people around him. Students, teachers, admin included.
Officer Adam Brunjesum, our school SRO, is one of Leslie’s closest friends. They have a great personal and professional relationship. They both like hockey and enjoy bonding with each other about it.
Brady King is a senior who also has a great relationship with Leslie. He said that Leslie always says things to motivate him and make him laugh.
“Tell me kind of I’m doing great. He always tells me he thinks I’m gonna make a million dollars,” King said.
Leslie is known for his wise words and always being there for the school. While students may think Leslie will get them into trouble, that’s not his intention at all.
“He’s not about getting kids in trouble. He’s not about looking for kids doing bad things,” said Officer Adam.
Leslie has had many careers throughout his life. When he was19, he joined the Air Force, serving 11 years until the 9/11 tragedy. He said that experience was very impactful and he learned a lot from it. He constantly tells students to join the Air Force, or some type of military branch.
“The Air Force was the best decision of my life,” Leslie said.
Before he went to the Air Force he went to college at the University of North Texas, where he met his wife Lina. Leslie and his wife have a son Christopher, aged23. They also have two dogs, a chocolate Labrador named Mavi, and a Labrador mix named Glacier.
Leslie was a teacher in Iowa for four years. He taught U.S. History, Social Studies, Psychology, and Sociology. He was also a school counselor for 11 years at Windsor High School and coached boys JV basketball at Fort Collins High School for eight years.
“He has a counseling background, he was a basketball coach, so, yeah. I mean, he has a huge impact with kids, and they were always asking for him, and he’s given out diplomas at graduation for students,” Officer Adam said.
Steven Leslie’s journeys eventually led him to his role as a hall monitor, where he has become a beloved figure by staff and students.