Meet Mrs. Judy; lead custodian

Rushing around the clean-swept hallways, Lead Custodian Judy Allen jumps at the grainy sound of her walkie talkie sparking to life with the voices of staff and teachers. Allen is in charge of keeping the school running and taking care of the custodial team.

“Mrs. Judy does a fantastic job of leading the first shift,” Assistant Principal Keith Kirkpatrick said. “She is invaluable with regards to her help with maintaining this facility.”

After working here for eight years, Allen’s favorite activity remains watching the students grow from their freshmen to senior years.

“I really love how the kids show that they really care about others,” Allen said.

Since her own children have all graduated and moved on, Allen considers all students her own and worries about them when they graduate. She has attended every graduation since opening year.

“My least favorite thing is probably losing them when they graduate,” Allen said, “And I have to say good-bye.”

Allen adores remembering when the football team shaved their heads for Senior Kimberly Miller, who had recently been diagnosed with cancer.

“It was funny but it was also sweet how they really stood their ground to support this little girl,” Allen said.

In charge of managing the first shift janitors, Allen also makes sure that all teachers have what they need for the day.

“I really like every one of the teachers and I really miss them during the summer,” Allen said.

In charge of moving furniture, setting up events, cleaning the cafeteria and school and supervising the first shift, she is always seen bustling around and helping out.

“She is very hardworking and caring,” junior Shadrak Odonkov said.

Allen is valued at this institution and those who know her know of her kind heart and ability to get the work done.

“She takes great pride in her day to day responsibilities, doing the job right and she truly cares for the student body,” Kirkpatrick said.

Allen’s biggest peeve is when students do not get along and are mean to one another.

“Everyone should be friends,” Allen said, “I just wish everyone would get along.”

Even though Principal Mike Williams’ great day to be alive quote is used often, Allen appreciates it for how it truly represents the school.

“If they really think about it,” Allen said, “It is like a big family.”