Michael Allen encourages students to get involved in their school in any way they can. He means it—and he lives it. According to principal Dr. Amanda Esslinger, the Spain Park senior is one of the high school’s busiest and highest-achieving students.
During our interview, Michael told me the story of his Armenian great-grandfather, who came to the United States from Turkey. Alone. In 1921. To escape genocide. He was 14 and, on his own, later paid for his mother and siblings to come to the US, too.
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Photo courtesy of Michael Allen
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Photo courtesy of Michael Allen
As we talk, it’s clear Great-Grandfather Harry’s boldness, sense of adventure, and desire to help others rubbed off on Michael some four generations later.
A self-described shy and timid middle schooler, Michael now serves as SGA president, head drum major for the Spain Park marching band, and piano player for the school’s show choir. He is a member of the top mock trial team and law academy, was named a National Merit Semi-Finalist, and became the first-ever national qualifier in congressional debate from Spain Park. This past summer, Michael spent time in Vienna, Austria, studying piano with students from Europe and China as part of a competitive music program.
He still finds time for his academics, earning a 4.5 GPA with a heavy load of advanced placement classes and a perfect 36 on the ACT. Plus, we joke, he has excellent hair.
But Michael says what he enjoys most about his high school career is doing work that benefits his fellow students.
“If I’m being honest, it was the ‘G’—government—that first attracted me to SGA as a sophomore class representative. But over time, my focus shifted to the ‘S,’ student,” shared Michael. “I really like serving my peers.
I take pride in serving students.”
Under his leadership, the student government association plans two school-wide dances each year and hosts donation drives for causes that impact the greater community, including a pickleball tournament to raise money for breast cancer awareness.
Dr. Esslinger adds that “Michael advocates for the students in a way that is polite, respectful and diplomatic.”
Spain Park mentors like Dr. Esslinger have given Michael the confidence to grow as a class leader with big goals. And if you meet him, you’ll have no doubt that he’ll achieve them. He hopes to attend Yale in the fall and study physics.
“I want to get an undergraduate degree in physics and join the ROTC. Yale has a program that allows you to be in the ROTC while attending law school,” said Michael. “After law school, I plan to serve in the Air Force under JAG, move into congressional law or patent law, and eventually work as an FBI agent.”
When it comes to leaving Hoover, where he was born and raised, he feels nervous and excited. Or nervited, a fitting term he adopted from a Penn State alum. “I’m ready to begin the rest of my life,” he said, vowing to take his Southern hospitality with him wherever he goes.
“Another thing about Michael,” Dr. Esslinger said, “even with how busy and smart he is, it’s always fun to work with him. There are not a lot of people as amazing as Michael Allen.”