New counselor Cheryl Allen has recently arrived at Montevallo High School to fill the guidance position, after the sudden resignation of the previous counselor. 
    Allen is from Atmore, AL, and is a graduate of Escambia County High.  Her favorite subjects in school were English and Art.  After attending both the University of Montevallo and the University of Alabama, Allen has achieved three degrees, one in art education and the other two in counseling. 
    Allen taught art at Eufaula and Fairfield, and later worked at Midfield and in the Shelby County School system as a counselor. 
    After about two years of teaching art, Allen decided that she wanted to be a counselor. 
    Allen credits the influence of her parents for her choice in an education career.
    “My parents are supportive, God-fearing, humble people who instilled those same qualities in me,” Allen said.
    She expresses her favorite part of being a counselor as being able to build relationships with students as well as with parents.   
    “My most important job is to help students become successful by addressing their personal and academic needs,” Allen said.
    Students also had a significant influence on Allen to become a counselor.  While teaching art, she admired moments when students realized their own talents.
    Allen’s favorite book is The Color Purple by Alice Walker, and her favorite movie is The Color Purple, as well.  She enjoys a variety of musical groups and cites Joe’s Italian as her favorite restaurant.
    Currently, Allen is coordinating representative college visits to MHS, and preparing for students’ first attempt at the Global Scholar’s Test in reading and math.  Her office is located across from the main office, and she has located there ACT information packets as well as area college brochures.