D.J.'s Hero Award Winner Spotlight - Keeley Allen
Over the next month we will be honoring each of this year’s 15 D.J.’s Hero Award winners. The D.J.’s Hero Scholarships are underwritten by David and Peggy Sokol in loving memory of their son, D.J., who lost his battle with cancer in 1999 at age 18. The awards recognize Nebraska high school seniors who exemplify perseverance and selflessness and who are servant-leaders in their communities. A total of 157 D.J.’s Hero Scholarships have been awarded to Nebraska students over the past 22 years.
Keeley Allen – Aurora High School
“I want to inspire children to dream big, even in the face of adversity, because I am proof that anything is possible with a solid foundation provided by special teachers.”
Diagnosed with epilepsy as a young child, Keeley Allen, of Aurora, suffered several seizures every week for years. Despite multiple lengthy hospital stays, several drug trials and two brain surgeries, she persevered with courage and resilience, working diligently with teachers and therapists in order to succeed in her classes and ultimately achieve a 3.78 GPA. Keeley credits her teachers, who inspired and encouraged her to keep going in the face of her many challenges. “They cared for me at my worst, encouraged me, challenged me to set goals and celebrated alongside me when I achieved them,” she says.
Keeley’s pursuit of excellence didn’t end with her academic achievements. “She could have chosen to take it easy and just focus on her academics, but that isn’t what she wanted,” notes Sheila Hasenkamp, her high school counselor. “She wanted to be ‘normal.’ She wanted to do what other students did and be involved in sports and activities.” Keeley participated in numerous extracurricular activities, including volleyball, basketball, soccer, speech and show choir. She also works part-time at the local hospital, has served as a mentor at her high school and a kindergarten teacher’s aide and regularly volunteers at her church doing community outreach with organizations, including the local food pantry.
Keeley plans to major in early childhood development at Hastings Community College and then continue on for her bachelor’s degree. She aspires to teach preschool or kindergarten in a small community after she graduates.
“After two brain surgeries and a year free from seizures, going to college has become a reality rather than a dream,” she says. “This scholarship is a tremendous resource for continuing my education and investing in my goal of becoming an educator.”