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Allard enjoying time at NEVC R-1
Jenny Allard is feeling right at home in the Northeast Vernon County R-1 school district.
Allard is in her third year as a physical education/weights teacher for grades 7-12. Prior to arriving in Walker, Allard spent 12 years as a science instructor and basketball coach at Class 4 Nevada High School. Allard, however, made a seamless transition to the much smaller R-1 district, as she began her teaching/coaching career at Sheldon High School.
Allard is also the head varsity basketball coach of both the NEVC Knights and Lady Knights — and, was recently tapped as the school's athletic director.
"Being at Sheldon for my first four years of my teaching career, (coming here) wasn't a shock to me, like it was whenever I started teaching out there," said Allard, a Nevada High School alum, and graduate of Pitt State University. "It's definitely different, but I feel like it's a 'good' different in a lot of ways."
The smaller class sizes provide a more intimate setting for Allard as a teacher.
"I feel like I get to know all of the kids really well, whether they play sports or not," she said. "So, I like that aspect of it."
Added Allard: "With the athletics part of it, obviously, we're limited on our athletes compared to bigger schools. But, at the same time, I also feel like I get to form closer relationships because we are so small."
Allard discussed her classroom goals and expectations.
“For the 47 minutes I have the kids in class, I want them to participate,” said Allard, who teaches four high school classes and a pair at the junior high level. “We want to do some type of physical activity that will increase their heart-rate.”
With the AD position a revolving door over the past couple years, Allard stepped in to bring some stability. Allard said the job is not overly complex, but can be tedious.
“There’s a lot of paperwork,” said Allard, who was named to the position shortly before the start of the school year. “So, unfortunately, I was playing catch-up a lot in the first month or two.”
Scheduling is one of Allard’s primary responsibilities within the position.
“(Scheduling) was my first priority,” Allard began. “I had a good idea what was on tap for basketball, but, I had no idea what volleyball was like. And, we have fall and spring baseball, and junior high basketball. Nothing is difficult about it, but it’s time-consuming.”
Making Allard’s foray into the front-office position even more interesting, is that NEVC R-1 is slated to host the upcoming GVVC boys and girls Conference basketball tournaments. Due to several mitigating factors, which include the size of NEVC’s gymnasium, Allard ultimately hammered out details of an agreement to have the tournament held at Nevada’s Franklin P. Norman Community Center.
“Not enough seating, (or) parking,” Allard explained of some of the reasons behind the change-of-venue. “Our lobby is so small, and we don’t have enough locker rooms here.”
Fun facts
• As a youngster growing up in Missouri, Allard’s original dream job was to follow in Ozzie Smith’s footsteps as the next great St. Louis Cardinals shortstop.
• Allard has lived in Nevada most of her life, and was a four-year basketball player for the Lady Tigers while attending NHS. Allard played both guard positions.
• During Allard’s last season at Sheldon, she guided her squad to the district championship game, where they fell to Drexel by three points.
• Allard said she would describe her offensive philosophy as up-tempo, and likes to apply a full-court press when she can. Allard added, that in the half-court set, she likes to utilize a physical man-to-man as her base defense.
• Allard said the motto that her NHS teams adhered by, was: “You work hard, and good things are going to happen.”
• Allard is married to husband Corey. They they have an 8-year old son, Case.