She Is ‘Like A Superhero’: Hamden Community Leader

HAMDEN, CT — Without community leaders, Hamden wouldn’t hum along nearly as smoothly as it does. We’d miss their contributions in big and small ways.

Patch has partnered with T-Mobile to recognize these often unsung community leaders and celebrate their contributions.

This submission comes from Kimberly Washington, who nominated Hamden Middle School Principal Michelle Coogan.

How do you know this community leader?

First off Michelle is my boss at the Hamden Middle Schools, in Hamden, Connecticut. Secondly she is a mom of her daughter name Mae and wife of her husband. Michelle is also a daughter. Michelle wears plenty of amazing hats for the Hamden School district.

What does this community leader do?

Michell Coogan is the Principal of Hamden Middle School. Michelle wears so many titles she also sits on boards for the Hamden district. Michelle is a devoted mom to her daughter, Mae, loving wife to her husband, and a daughter. Michelle comes to work everyday either sick or not. Michelle is a determined woman, values her team at Hamden Middle School. This woman is always in daily meetings, but if something needs to be address in her building, she makes sure it gets taken care of. If parents need her for anything, she drops what she is doing and makes sure her parents and students come first. Michelle greets every parent and students daily in the morning. Michelle works after hours everyday at the Middle School. Michelle comes in at 7:00am and her job could let do 8:00pm. Then she leaves the school to go home and continue to work on her meetings for her staff and students and parents. Her paperwork never stops. Emails are coming in the night in reference to her position at the Hamden Middle School. Her mind is focus on her position as Principal at all times. Another woman who never stops working even if she is on vacation. Dedication, determination, accountability, resourceful, thinking overtime, prepping, lastly encouraging others to take the next step into their career.

Why do you believe the community leader should be recognized or honored?

Michelle Coogin because this woman right here works so hard daily for the Community of Hamden. Michelle holds down her position as Principal at Hamden Middle School, holds down the job as a 24 hour mom, and wife to her husband. Michelle is also a mentor to so many women’s and men, plus students and teachers. Michelle is viewed in the community and in her position as Principal a driven woman making change everyday regardless of the endeavors that may come her way. I am proud to be and employee and friend of Michelle Coogin. I admire this woman so much. Another strong woman who needs to be highlighted not for what she does but for who she is, no other than Michelle Coogin.

What's one thing you want everyone to know about the community hero?

First off Michelle is a driven woman who is seen in the community and school as a hero for students and staff. She loves Diet Coke, plus unsweetened ice tea, daily. But the best thing I would line to say about Michelle is that she is patient, caring, lovable, determined, dedicated, concerned, passionate, trailblazer, mom, wife, and daughter. Michelle is like a superhero all students and parents need to see daily. Michelle is an example of Strength and encouragement for everyone. Lastly it’s a pleasure to know her as a person with a heart of gold.

This content is brought to our community in partnership with T-Mobile.

Know a community leader who deserves a shout-out?

Nominate them here.