Melanie Allen Leader of Tomorrow
Olney Chamber of Commerce board selected OHS student Melanie Allen as the “Leader of Tomorrow” at the 2019 “Stars of Olney” banquet. “It was nice to be selected as Leader of Tomorrow because it is great that hard work is recognized,” Allen said.
The spotlight has shined brightly on Allen for the past six years she has been performing with band members. She plays bass drum and percussion. She was a state qualifier multiple times in multiple categories which include percussion ensemble, music theory, honor band and section leader.
While Allen remains busy with band, the piano is her favorite instrument, which she started playing at age seven. She has qualified for state three times in the piano solo category. Allen said she finds refuge in the piano. “I love beautiful music. I go straight to the piano when I am having a bad day.”
The recently elected OHS Homecoming Queen not only participates in music, but she is also active in athletics. While in ninth grade, Allen qualified for State in powerlifting, and she was a regional qualifier in shot put.
Although Allen does not aspire to get involved with politics, she has been elected to student council and as class president by her peers for three years in addition to other leadership roles.
Maintaining a 4.1 GPA is evidence of Allen’s dedication to accomplishing her primary goal to attend the University of North Texas (UNT) to earn a degree in computer science. She is currently enrolled in a computer coding course, which she enjoys.
Outside of the time spent on computer science, Allen has participated in Future Farmers of America activities and has been a member for four years and was the state qualifier in farm business management. She placed first in the Ag Mechanics show for the barbecue pit she and her team built. Her mechanical ingenuity extends to robotics—Allen is the state qualifier in her senior year. “I helped with the robotics design, research paper and a little with exhibits,” Allen said. She believes robotics coupled with artificial intelligence can help progress our military.
Allen has participated in UIL for informative speaking, spelling and accounting—areas that are valuable in the workplace. However, she understands the importance of sharpening skills outside the academic arena. She currently works at Parker’s Hometown Café as a cook and previously worked at Hamilton Hospital in the cafeteria. When she is not working, Allen enjoys reading in her spare time. The time she has spent reading enhanced her creative side as she has participated in the One Act Play for four years and was a regional qualifier in ninth and 10th grade.
Allen offered advice to other students, “Keep trying and pushing hard. Do whatever you can, and never be afraid to ask for help. Even though I am at the top of my class, I still have to ask for help.”