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“Once a Bruin, Always a Bruin!”
Bruin Nation is greater because of you.
A Tribute to Sandy Allen
Alexandra “Sandy” Allen began her career with JCPS in 1963 at Valley High School as a science teacher. In 1969, she moved on to Moore High School as a science teacher before becoming a counselor there from 1971-79. Her leadership skills were quite apparent and in 1979 she became an assistant principal at PRP High School. She served in that capacity until 1985. In the early 1980’s she served in numerous summer school principal roles in various schools. In 1985, Sandy became only the second principal in school history at Ballard and remained there until she retired from that role in 2004.
One of the reasons she was a great principal is because she had successfully completed all professional education school role groups: science teacher, school counselor, assistant principal, summer school principal and principal. Sandy understood the demands each of those roles held and conducted herself with poise and professionalism along the way in each of those endeavors.
Sandy’s success and accomplishments at Ballard did not go unnoticed. Sandy was elected as one of the first women to serve on the Kentucky High School Athletic Board of Control for KHSAA. She was the JCPS representative for the National Association of Secondary School Principals. Even with all her professional accomplishments and awards, Sandy was most proud of being the principal of Ballard High School. Ballard was her love!
Sandy loved Ballard High School! She loved and supported our academics, athletics and our arts. She was extremely competitive and wanted Ballard to always win. She adored all our trophies and awards. Our Fine Arts Center was appropriately named The Sandy Allen Fine Arts Center in her honor.
Sandy had the insight, instinct and knowledge in the interview hiring process. She just knew who was the right person to hire for Ballard. She gave us freedom to do our jobs and she always had our backs. She was with us and she was one of us.
Sandy brought with her our motto, “Once a Bruin, Always a Bruin!” She was an incredible public speaker. She always said what she needed to say. Her speaking style was like she was talking with you and never at you. Ms. Allen was one of a kind and she was ours. She was my idol and not only was she our principal, she was ourfriend. She used to call me “Lady Di” and I called her “Queen Alexandra.” Thanks to Ms. Allen for being our principal and our friend. Like Alan Jones said, “She’s the best!”
“Ms. Allen believed in me and gave me my first administrative assignment going from classroom teacher to assistant principal at Ballard High School.”
-Garnett“Bo” Phelps
“She was the best boss I ever worked for and I loved working for her. Ms. Allen was awesome!”
-Alan Jones
“A big thank you to Sandy for taking a chance on a first year counselor. She changed the whole trajectory of my life and I will always be grateful for that.”
-Debbie Montgomery
“Sandy’s leadership inspired me to learn more and to become more. Her skills were direct and supportive in all situations.”
-Linda Graff
Sandy Allen Scholarship Information
In honor of Mrs. Sandy Allen, a scholarship program has been established in her name. Mrs. Allen loved her students and all of their successes. How better to honor that love than with a scholarship.
To contribute to the scholarship fund, checks can be mailed to:
Kim Barber, Alumni Liaison
Ballard High School
6000 Brownsboro Road
Louisville, KY 40222
Please note on the submission that the donation is for the Sandy Allen Scholarship.
You can also submit a donation via the following Venmo account:
@BallardAlumniAssociation
Again noting the submission is for the Sandy Allen Scholarship.
Any questions, please feel free to reach out to Kim Barber at kim.barber@jefferson.kyschools.us
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