Sean is a senior who has truly become an All-Star General, excelling in athletics, the arts, academics, school spirit and becoming an exceptional human being. He is a three-year varsity basketball player and track runner, has been part of the Black Student Union and Youth Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention Project, and is the founder and president of Brotherhood Union.
His drive goes beyond school as well. In his free time, he has a part-time job at Recs and Parks, where he assists with regular and holiday events, referees sports and watches over younger kids. Much of his time also goes to playing basketball recreationally with friends, training, and watching over his puppy, Nala.
“My activities have been impactful because they keep me busy and disciplined,” Allen said. “It forces me to maintain a good schedule, time management, communication skills, all things that are usually helpful for the real world. Among helping my community in need with activities and fundraising and marketing for good causes on social media. Overall, I like to keep my social life full while still pouring into others who make me a better person.”
Allen’s interests vary from his athletic passions to his artistic ones. Both film and art-related activities have been pivotal to his high school career and his plans for the future. The school has helped to shape these passions throughout his journey and growth.
“The school has allowed me a space to be with people who look and experience the same things I might,” Allen said. “Which in turn creates a community of bright individuals who all work our butts off to help others while learning as we go. I’ve gotten to speak to leaders from my school and outside of it to get new perspectives and allow myself to take a step back and learn things I hadn’t before—leaders such as the principal, the superintendent and other wonderful people. The biggest thing, however, is the networking and preparation to send me off into the real world. Being prepared and educated is something I envision for myself.”
Something Allen is most proud of is founding the Brotherhood Union, which aims to help prepare male minorities to begin a path toward success in any future they envision. All while being a varsity athlete and having some of his own original poetry published as a freshman.
“So many things and so many people have poured into me,” Allen said. “My teachers, my coaches, my friends. There have been so many moments that have shaped me into the young man I am today. Lessons I teach the younger kids I work with. I know to be a good person, no matter my status or background. That hate is taught, and better not to be reciprocated. And most importantly, that my skin color is a symbol for all those before me and those after me.”
Allen plans to attend a four-year university in the future, focusing on media communications or film studies. He is also considering a minor in sports media and management. He is looking forward to the continued freedom and opportunities that come with being a young adult.
“My mom is the thing that motivates me,” Allen said. “Going back to those people who pour into me and inadvertently tell me anything I possibly can. A single mom raising an 18-year-old young adult is crazy, and I applaud her for her work. If not for her, I wouldn’t be here with the capabilities I have. Now, looking to the future, more than ever, I can use my voice to advocate for more than just myself.”
Allen has left a lasting impact on the school and the community surrounding it. He sets a legacy of hard work, creativity, love and open-mindedness that the school seeks to cultivate in all of its students.
“The legacy I want to leave is that I did what others did for me: giving back and teaching about the opportunities around you,” Allen said.
