Taking his seat in the front of the room, wearing dress pants and a Fossil Ridge High School polo shirt, Mr. Allen looked professional as he responded to difficult questions and gave the Etched In Stone staff some insight on his life during a press conference Sept. 4.

While the newspaper staff felt some nerves before meeting their new principal for the first time, their worries were put to rest as Mr. Allen gushed about his three kids, his passion for music, and his interesting life.

As a child, Mr. Allen saw himself as an archeologist, swearing he would never teach. He later attended university in Monoray, Calif., changing his major several times and finally settling on a double major in Spanish and education. During his four years, Mr. Allen married his third grade crush and had two daughters and a son. He was also offered a position with the CIA, though decided to follow his new passion in education.

After college, Mr. Allen began his career in Tulsa, Okla. in 1987. He moved to Fort Collins in 1999, and even had a small stint as a teacher at FRHS during its opening year. “It has not changed, as warm and inviting as it is,” he said of the school. “The commitment and the level of passion that the staff brings to their jobs have not changed either.”

According to the Poudre School District website, Mr. Allen has been a principal at Johnson Elementary and Zach Elementary, and replaced former FRHS principal Dr. Dierdre Cook this year, who retired after more than 30 years in the district.

During his career, Mr. Allen developed a love for the classroom environment, commenting that “teachers are creating the future.” He also grew to love the arts, especially music. Mr. Allen believes in the positive impact music can create in a classroom and commented on rumors that other high school music programs may end. “I don’t think that art and music should be pushed out of the way,” he said. “That is what separates us from the animals. Those are the aesthetics that makes us different and special.”

Mr. Allen also shared some of his favorite songs right now, explaining that his music preferences range from classical to show tunes, and even include “Thrift Shop” by Macklemore.

Though Mr. Allen is FRHS’ new principal, he still prefers spending time in the classroom and connecting with students, and looks forward to attending school events with his wife. “Life is not a dress rehearsal,” he said of the things FRHS students can accomplish through the school’s programs.

“We have the opportunity to be the best high school in the United States,” he said.