#74 - Shane Allen

On August 31, 2008 Shane Allen died in a car accident. He was an amazing guy, that everyone looked up to (literally and spiritually). We became friends in the seventh grade. He sat next to me in math. In one conversation he proceeded to annoy me, ask for my forgiveness, and ask me to prom. After I rejected his invite, we became friends. We constantly fought over whose art was better, but he always let me win in the end. He sat behind me in art this year. He had taught one of the art classes last year but when he saw that I was in his class said, " oh, I guess Katherine will have to teach this year." The last Friday I saw him we were arguing about pencils. Which one's were better, and I wouldn't let him see mine. I hadn't seen Shane very much after 8th grade because we had no classes together, but I was excited he was in my art class. Shane's death has brought an awareness to our school, especially our grade, that life is to be valued because it can end so quick. This summer Shane spent a month in Africa helping minister to orphans with AIDs. God took him away when he was closest to him. Everyone said they saw a difference in him. His constant joy and kindness. Our school has done a wonderful job of properly honoring Shane. His football number 74 will be on all the football players helmets. Shirts were made for all the juniors with his number on the back. The first football game of the season, they accepted the penalty for leaving Shane's position open in memory of him. Our junior class is also making sure to remember Shane in special ways. We are placing his number on our junior class shirts and will put his number on our homecoming wall. There is no way Shane will be forgotten, because he was a special friend to everyone. And the best part is, we all know he is up in heaven partying with Jesus, waiting for the rest of us.