1960

George Washington High School opens for the first time in September 1960.

1965

The Jolly Green Giant made his entrance as the George Washington High School mascot. The foot begins to make its indelible mark on all the students who walk the halls.

The year of 1965 was a memorable year for G.W. Ken Waters, Tom Turril and friends did a very unique “prank” that still that still lingers with us and will probably never fade away.

In 1964 a usual general Assembly meeting was going on, but the class of 65 brought out a new idea for school spirit; The Jolly Green Giant. Ken Walters called The Green Giant Co. and asked them if they would donate The Giant as G.W.’s mascot. The Green Giant co. was more than happy to donate it. By the time the class of 65’ were seniors they received the Giant, and Ken kept it in his basement.

During this time East and G.W. were rival schools. G.W. needed someone who could climb up the wall and put the Giant up on the roof and foot prints going up the wall. Tom Turril was a mountain climber and put The Giant on the roof with the help of David Tippit. Rumor had it that East was responsible for this “prank.” Later the truth came out and Tome Turril was suspended because the principal thought that it was a “malicious-prank.”

The prank became very famous. G.W.’s Jolly Green Giant was in the newspapers and on T.V. The Giant was a part of pep rallies, basketball and football games and even had his senior portrait in the yearbook.

1984

GW became authorized to offer the International Baccalaureate Program.

1996

Mario Williams becomes the current principal for George Washington High School.

1997

Well known GW student Chauncey Billups was drafted third overall in the 1997 NBA Draft by the Boston Celtics. While at GW, he was a four time All-State first team pick, the Mr. Colorado basketball pick three times, and Colorado Player of the Year as a sophomore and as a junior. He was selected to the 1995 McDonald’s All-American Team but did not play due to injury. He now plays for the Detroit Pistons

2005

GW makes Newsweek’s list of top 100 High Schools in America for the 3rd time in a row.