Allen ISD recently held a Heart @ Work employee appreciation event at Allen High School where they enjoyed food, company, and the girls and boys varsity basketball games.
Staff members from across the district, along with Silver Eagles, were invited to enjoy a Two Rows nacho dinner while cheering on their Allen Eagles.
The event was sponsored by EBA Automotive, one of the district’s Title Sponsors. Representatives were on site distributing exclusive, heavily discounted oil change coupons to attendees.
The boys varsity team secured a 60 to 53 home conference win against Plano East. The girls varsity team fell to Plano East with a final score of 61 to 42.
Events such as Night at the Nest highlight the district’s commitment to recognizing employees while fostering connections with community partners. By combining appreciation, athletics, and local business involvement, the program continues to create meaningful experiences for staff.
The Allen ISD Heart @ Work employee appreciation program brings together local businesses, community partners, and the district to provide meaningful recognition, family-friendly events, and exclusive discounts for Allen ISD employees. These partnerships help foster a supportive, rewarding work environment and reinforce our goal of being the premier place to work in North Texas. To learn more about the program or to become a sponsor, visit https://allenisd.org/heartatwork
Vote for Your Favorite Allen ISD Holiday Team Photo
Vote for Your Favorite Allen ISD Holiday Team Photo
Allen ISD staff brought the holiday spirit to life with festive team photos from campuses and departments across the district. Now it is time for the community to help choose the winners.
Each entry reflects pride, teamwork, and the spirit that makes Allen ISD a strong learning community.
Review the photos below and cast a vote for the team that best captures holiday cheer. There will be three winning teams based on total votes.
Voting is open to the entire Allen ISD community. Rally support, celebrate creativity, and help crown this year’s Holiday Team Photo Contest winners.
Thank you for supporting Allen ISD staff and the Heart at Work program.
Allen ISD completed the renovations of the tennis courts and addition of pickleball courts at the Lowery Freshman Center in fall 2025. Funded through the 2024 bond election, the project reflects the district’s commitment to maintaining first-rate facilities for students while also supporting community wellness and engagement.
The upgraded complex now features four tennis courts and four pickleball courts, offering expanded opportunities for both athletic programs and casual recreation. While primarily designed for student use, the courts also serve the broader Allen community during designated hours.
Community members can enjoy open play on weeknights from 6-10 p.m., and on weekends from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Automatic locks grant access during these times, and lights activate each evening to keep the space safely illuminated.
Court use are available on a first-come, first-served basis with no reservations required. The newly renovated facility officially opened for community use in September 2025.
Located next to the Dillard Special Achievement Center at 601 E. Main St., the courts can be accessed from the northeast corner of the complex.
This renovation is one of many projects funded by the 2024 bond election, which continues to enhance educational and recreational facilities across the district.
Taylor Davis, Miss Texas USA and a former Allen High School Tallenette, recently returned to Allen ISD to lead confidence-building workshops with dance students at Allen High School and Ereckson Middle School.
Davis introduced students to her “Hail Mary” workshop, a team-focused program that uses the S.M.A.R.T. goal method of setting intentional goals while emphasizing self-image and peer support. The session encouraged dancers to think about how they set personal and collective goals while strengthening confidence within their teams.
She also shared her personal journey from Allen High School to Howard University, where she graduated and served as a campus queen, and later to her career in sports and entertainment. Today, Davis works as a Social Media Analyst for the National Football League, specializing in data that tracks engagement trends and guides content strategy around influencers and creators.
Her visit was especially meaningful for the Tallenettes. As a student, Davis performed with the group in the 2016 Rose Parade, an experience she credits with helping to shape her work ethic and stage presence. Returning to Allen ISD allowed her to demonstrate how early experiences in performance and teamwork can create lifelong skills.
In addition to her career and pageant accomplishments, Davis is committed to mentoring young women. By leading interactive sessions and modeling the importance of confidence and goal-setting, she continues to inspire students to pursue their passions with determination and pride.
The Allen Eagles Competitive Shooting Team recently earned top honors on both the state and national stage, displaying the talent and dedication of its student-athletes.
This summer, the team traveled to Ohio to compete in the 2025 Scholastic Clay Target Program National Championship. Facing 331 teams and more than 3,000 athletes from across the country, the Allen Eagles placed second overall in the high school division. The team also claimed the National Championship in Sporting Clays and a third-place finish in Skeet. The Junior Varsity squad secured second place in both Skeet and Sporting Clays, along with third in Skeet Doubles.
At the state level, the Eagles captured the Texas Scholastic Clay Target Program Championship, further cementing their position as one of the premier shooting teams in the nation. Both the national and state teams included a large roster of students who excelled across multiple disciplines.
In addition to celebrating the team’s accomplishments, Allen ISD recognized Jason Anderson for being named the Professional Educator of the Year by the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department for the 2024–2025 school year. Anderson has certified more than 1,000 students in Hunter Education and serves as the Texas State Advisor to the Scholastic Clay Target Program. Within Allen ISD, he leads the archery, competitive shooting, and bass fishing teams, making a lasting impact on students both inside and outside the classroom.
Together, these achievements highlight the strength of Allen ISD’s outdoor education programs and the dedication of its students and educators.
Allen High School recently announced that 26 seniors have been named Semifinalists in the 2026 National Merit Scholarship Program. These students are among about 16,000 Semifinalists nationwide who now have the chance to compete for over 7,500 scholarships valued at nearly $33 million.
The recognition places Allen High School’s honorees in the top one percent of U.S. high school seniors based on their performance on the 2024 PSAT/NMSQT. In Texas, students needed a selection index score of 222 or higher to qualify, with just 1,673 students statewide meeting the threshold.
“These students are truly exceptional and deserve to be celebrated,” said José Salas, Advanced Academics Coordinator at Allen High School. “Their hard work, intellectual curiosity, and commitment to academic excellence are what earned them this national recognition.”
To advance to the Finalist level, Semifinalists must submit a detailed application, draft a personal essay, and demonstrate a strong academic record supported by a school official’s recommendation. Finalists will be announced in February 2026.
The National Merit Scholarship Program, founded in 1955, highlights students who demonstrate high academic potential and provides scholarship opportunities that support college and career success.
Allen ISD congratulates the following students for achieving this honor:
The Allen Eagle Escadrille, which includes the Allen Eagle Band, Color Guard, and the Tallenettes drill team, has been selected to perform in the 137th Pasadena Tournament of Roses Parade on Jan. 1, 2026.
Led by Dr. Philip Obado, Director of Bands; Miguel Zacarias, Color Guard Director and Assistant Band Director; and Mrs. Caitlin O’Neill, Tallenettes Director, the Escadrille will represent Allen High School and the community of Allen on one of the most prestigious stages in the world.
This marks the Escadrille’s third appearance in the Rose Parade, following memorable performances in 2006 and 2016. The official invitation was extended by Pasadena Tournament of Roses President Mark Leavens, who said, “On behalf of our 935 volunteer members, welcome back to the Tournament of Roses family.”
In recognition of this achievement, Allen Mayor Baine Brooks proclaimed Sept. 12, 2025, as Allen Eagle Escadrille Day. The proclamation celebrates the dedication, precision, and teamwork that have made the Escadrille a symbol of excellence in Allen ISD and across Texas.
The Escadrille is one of the largest high school marching bands in the nation, with more than 600 members representing grades 9–12.
The 2026 Rose Parade will be broadcast live from Pasadena, Calif., on New Year’s Day.
Olson Elementary: A Fresh New Look for a School Rooted in Legacy
When students returned to Olson Elementary this fall, they were welcomed by a campus that felt both brand new and unmistakably familiar. The walls shimmered in shades of sea green and coastal blue. The ceilings flowed in wave like patterns. Wooden accents added a natural warmth, and throughout the building, sea otter motifs reminded everyone of the school mascot and the playful spirit it inspires. But beyond the aesthetic transformation, this renovation marked a renewed commitment to the school’s mission, developing empowered learners who are exemplary in character and future ready.
A Vision Brought to Life
The renovation, completed in time for the 2025 to 2026 school year, is part of Allen ISD’s broader effort to modernize its campuses through voter approved bond funding from the 2024 Bond election.
Construction work was carefully timed:
Geothermal well installations began in February
Full scale demolition and redesign took place over the summer
Completion was achieved by early August
Inspired by the Sea Otter
The design team drew early inspiration from the school’s mascot, the sea otter, and the Pacific Northwest shoreline environment. This vision came to life through thoughtful details:
River rock tile at restroom entrances
Driftwood toned wall accents
Curved ceiling features that mimic ocean waves
School colors, green and blue, woven throughout the interior
One stairwell is accented in green tones, while the other is finished in blue, a subtle yet effective element that reinforces school identity.
Modern Spaces for Future Ready Learners
Students now enjoy flexible, technology forward learning environments, including:
An updated immersion lab
A reimagined library with reading nooks and learning stairs
A redesigned cafeteria with wood trimmed accents around the stage
Collaboration spaces throughout the building
And much more
From the new vestibule with its metal sea otter emblem to the wave inspired art corridor and upgraded media spaces, the building now reflects the energy and creativity that lives inside it. Infrastructure upgrades, such as geothermal systems and LED lighting, also enhance sustainability and reduce operating costs.
Aligned with Olson’s Mission and Beliefs
All of these enhancements support the school’s mission, to develop empowered learners who are exemplary in character and future ready. They also reflect Olson Elementary’s guiding beliefs:
A safe, student focused environment for all
High expectations and respect for self and others
Relevant, engaging, and differentiated learning experiences
A positive climate that empowers students, parents, and staff
Strong community involvement and open communication
The new environment makes these ideals tangible, offering spaces that invite curiosity, creativity, and connection.
A Legacy of Leadership
Olson Elementary opened in 2009 and was named in honor of longtime Allen educators and community members David E. Olson and Lynda F. Olson. David came to Allen ISD in 1980 as principal of Boyd Elementary and later became Director of Curriculum and Instruction. Lynda joined Allen ISD in 1983 as a counselor and later served at Allen High School. Both began their careers in Richardson ISD in 1965 and retired from Allen ISD in 1995.
Their story spans decades and continents. The Olsons met in high school in Lamesa, Texas, and later married after college. David’s military service brought them to Augsburg, Germany, where he served in the U.S. Army, and Lynda taught for the Department of Defense school system. When they returned to Texas, they pursued careers in education, always emphasizing community, character, and connection.
When they arrived in Allen, it was much smaller, but the couple quickly fell in love with the town, attending Allen football games and watching the community spirit in action.
“We never dreamed we would have a school named after us,” David said. “It has truly been an amazing honor and privilege.”
“We are so proud of Olson Elementary,” Lynda added. “It has amazing teachers, great staff, and wonderful students. I would feel reassured and blessed to send a child to this school.”
Looking Ahead
Today, the freshly renovated Olson Elementary continues to embody the values the Olsons helped shape. It is a place where students feel safe, supported, and inspired. A place where community involvement and strong communication are not just encouraged but expected. A place that looks boldly toward the future while honoring the past.
With its upgraded spaces and renewed energy, Olson Elementary is, as always, making a splash.
2025 Hall of Honor Banquet Showcases Allen’s Athletic Legacy
Allen ISD recently honored the 2025 Hall of Honor Class with a banquet at Allen High School, celebrating athletes and teams whose achievements have left a lasting impact on the district’s athletic history.
The 2015 Men’s Wrestling State Championship Team was recognized for capturing Allen’s sixth consecutive state title with 199 team points. Under the leadership of head coach Jerry Best and assistant coaches Matt Yeamans, Jerrett McCollom, and Todd Wyckoff, the team featured standout performances from Garrett Miller, Dalton Miller, Braeden Redlin, and Juwan Robinson. Other key contributors included Logan Brown, Daniel Cartagena, Patrick Bryan, Evan Hackett, and Dalton Madole.
Individual inductees included Ophir Bernstein, Class of 2011, who was a state champion and USA Wrestling All American. He went on to compete at Brown University, setting school records and earning international medals.
Nate Bonsu, Class of 2009, was captain of Allen’s first football state championship team in 2008 and excelled in powerlifting and track. After playing at the University of Colorado, he built a career in the food and beverage industry.
Track and field standout Epley Bullock Hamilton, who attended Allen from 2003 to 2006, set the school high jump record before becoming a six time All American at the University of Nebraska.
Also honored were basketball leader Myron Fisher, Class of 2014, who guided Allen to its first state tournament in more than three decades, and Uzoma Nwachukwu, Class of 2009, a football standout who went on to star at Texas A and M and sign with multiple NFL teams.
Allen ISD congratulates the 2025 Hall of Honor Class for their lasting contributions to Eagle athletics.
In Allen ISD, October could easily be called “Manufacturing Month.” While not an official designation, the district, local businesses, and community partners came together to create a month filled with career exploration opportunities that connected students with industries shaping the future. From career fairs and hands on learning to behind the scenes tours, students found pathways linking classroom learning to real world success.
Gears and Careers: Opening Doors for Students and Families
The month began with Gears and Careers, a community wide event hosted in partnership with the Allen Economic Development Corporation and the Allen Chamber of Commerce. The evening welcomed students in grades 7 to 12, their families, and local residents to explore career options across a wide range of industries.
Timed with National Manufacturing Day, the event went beyond manufacturing to showcase career opportunities in engineering, information technology, healthcare, culinary arts, business, finance, and more. Local employers and Allen ISD’s Career and Technical Education programs teamed up to provide hands on activities and interactive demonstrations. Students had the chance to ask questions, network with professionals, and see how classroom learning connects to future careers.
The event highlighted Allen ISD’s commitment to equipping students with future ready skills and building strong partnerships between schools and the community.
Engineering Day: Real World STEM Learning
Allen High School students had another chance to dive deeper into technical careers through Engineering Day at Collin College’s Technical Campus. CTE students rotated through seven industry led stations hosted by companies such as Braun Intertec, CEC, Flexlink, White Hawk Engineering, and the City of Allen Engineering Department. Each stop gave students a window into daily engineering challenges, workplace expectations, and problem solving in action.
College partners including Texas State University, Texas A and M University, the University of Texas at Dallas, and Collin College added another layer of opportunity, connecting students with information about higher education programs and pathways into STEM careers. The Allen Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors guided groups throughout the day, encouraging dialogue about career planning and professional development.
The result was a blend of industry expertise and higher education guidance, giving students a clearer picture of how their academic interests could translate into rewarding careers.
Manufacturing Day: Hands On Exploration with Local Companies
The month concluded with Allen ISD’s second annual Manufacturing Day, a large scale event that brought more than 200 juniors and seniors face to face with local manufacturers. Supported by the Allen Economic Development Corporation and a grant from the Foundation For Allen Schools, the day featured tours of up to four Allen based companies.
Students visited All Metals Fabricating, Nordson, Kone, Flexlink, Amphenol, Anora Labs, IntelliEPI, and Visitech. They saw advanced technologies at work, engaged with industry professionals, and gained firsthand exposure to the skills and training required in today’s manufacturing sector. A panel discussion added depth, with company leaders sharing personal career journeys and insights into the evolving landscape of technical careers.
By highlighting local opportunities, the event bridged the gap between classroom instruction and the workforce, inspiring students to envision futures in high demand fields right in their own community.
A Month of Opportunity
Together, these three events transformed October into a month of discovery, exploration, and connection for Allen ISD students. Through hands on activities, higher education partnerships, and real world experiences, students gained valuable insight into careers that align with their interests and the needs of a growing economy.
While “Manufacturing Month in Allen” may not be official, its impact on students and the community was undeniable.
