At Badin, everyone knows the name Mr. Allen. That’s because Dirk Q. Allen leaves a positive lasting impact wherever he goes.

Mr. Allen has been at Badin since August of 2001. His Badin career started off great and eventually he was promoted to Director of Admissions and Media Relations.

“It’s been a terrific experience. I’ve been blessed to be at Badin High School,” Allen said. “I encourage students to come to Badin and I get to write nice things about them while they're here”

Despite his job being a huge commitment, Mr. Allen puts all of his energy into each day and believes in what he is doing. He’s had many achievements while at Badin including obtaining two of the biggest classes in the past two years, creating one of the biggest Ramily’s in 15 years.

“Admissions is challenging and rewarding, but it is constant. It's 24/7/365,” Allen said. “I enjoy having success and getting young people to come to Badin High School. I think one of the reasons I’ve been pretty good at the job is because I don’t take it personally when students don’t come to Badin ‘cause they have great options for private education in Greater Cincinnati. The ones you do get; it’s very rewarding. I’ve gotten to follow them through their high school experience because I believe in Badin High School.”

More students continue to flood the halls every year bringing their own successes. One of Mr. Allen’s favorite pastimes is supporting the sports program. He is eager to help with all of the sports and show the students that he cares.

“I think the students really make you have a vibrant feeling about the world around you ‘cause they have energy so we have energy,” Allen said. “I was a sports writer for 14 years at the journal news and I love sports, so I enjoy the Badin success in sports, particularly the back to back girls soccer championships and the success the girls basketball program has had over the years. So that’s a lot of fun.”

He has put so much time, effort, and love into this school, and has decided that it is time to retire as the Director of Admissions. Mr. Allen is always on the job and ready to help anybody who needs it, but he is trying to take the next step in life and hoping someone else can take over as Director of Admissions.

“You have to be really conscientious about recruiting. If you do 10 things, you probably need to do the 11th thing,” Allen said. “Always be recruiting.”

He is saddened to leave his job, but excited for an opportunity to possibly still work here part time in media relations. This school has been like a family to Mr. Allen and in turn he has blessed the students and staff with his joyful spirit.

“I’ve been blessed to be at Badin High School for the last 21 years. It’s been my family,” Allen said. “There has been so much joy over these years to be involved with Badin High School. I have every yearbook. I have nothing but great memories of Badin High School.”

Accordingly, students and staff have nothing but great memories of Mr. Allen. He is a constant positive energy that has brought nothing but joy to the school. Principal Mr. Pendergest shared his favorite parts about him.

“He is a man of great integrity - honest and sincere. I greatly appreciate and admire that. My second answer would be his ability to remember everyone's name and a story about the student or family. He makes a true connection with everyone,” Pendergest said.

Mr. Allen has made close friends and connections these past 21 years. He always makes people feel like they belong and engages them in conversations.

"Mr. Allen and I have had a great working relationship since I came to Badin over 15 years ago and I appreciate how hard he works. He truly puts his heart and soul into Badin and our students. This is home for him and in turn he has made it warm and welcoming for thousands of students who have attended Badin," Director of Marketing Communications Angie Gray said.

Dirk Q. Allen is an inspiration to everyone.

“HEYOOOOOO,” junior Jimmy Zettler said.