The heart behind it all. photo by Ellie Huntsman
As she retires, Ms. Allen leaves behind a legacy of unwavering support for TJ students and programs.
After nearly a decade of service, Carla Allen, TJ’s beloved treasurer, and athletic secretary, is retiring at the end of the 2025-26 school year. She leaves behind not only a record of hard work and dedication, but also a lasting impact on the entire school community.
Allen joined the TJ community in November of 2016 as both the athletic secretary and treasurer. Before that, she worked in staffing where she gained experience in organization and working with people, skills that would later shape her role at TJ. Her path to TJ wasn’t something she had planned. While reading through the school’s newsletter, Allen came across the open bookkeeper/treasurer position. At the time, her daughter was a senior at TJ and she saw it as a unique opportunity to be more involved during her daughter’s final year. What started as a simple decision, quickly became something much more meaningful, as she found herself becoming deeply connected to the school and its community.
Over the years, Allen became much more than the person managing finances and organizing everyone, she became one of TJ’s most dedicated supporters. From First Fridays to everyday moments in the building, she is known for her reliability, positivity, and seemingly endless knowledge. She works nearly every sporting event and is usually the first face to be seen when walking in, always smiling, welcoming everyone no matter who they are. Her presence and energy has contributed to TJ’s connected and supportive atmosphere.
Her impact has not gone unnoticed. In the eyes of many students, Allen is one of the school’s most dedicated supporters. “One of my greatest joys is just seeing the kids happy,” she says. That joy is reflected in the way she invests her time and energy into the school, making students feel seen and valued. When asked how it feels to be viewed this way, Allen describes it as “overwhelming.” She adds, “I think that’s what I was brought here to do. God put me here for a reason, and I think I’ve served my purpose.” Her words reflect the care and intention she has brought to TJ every day.
To Allen, TJ is more than just a school, it’s a family. She first noticed that sense of connection when she visited with her daughter and saw all the admin interacting with students, knowing their names and building real relationships. That feeling of community stayed with her and became something she’s carried with her ever since.
As she prepares to retire, Allen says she will miss the people the most. “I love it here, and I love everyone…and can you believe it, I’m going to miss the students!” she said, “That’s what it’s about, all of you guys.” Over the years, those daily interactions from quick conversations in the hallway, to seeing kids at events, have become a meaningful part of her routine. It’s the small moments and connections that have made her time at TJ so special and ultimately so difficult to leave behind.
Looking ahead, Allen plans to rest and spend time with her grandchildren. Still, her impact on TJ will last far beyond her time here. Through her constant presence, unwavering support, and genuine care, Allen has helped shape what makes TJ feel so special. She is leaving a lasting legacy on the hearts of the students and staff she’s supported and connected with throughout her time at TJ.
