City honors native son, acclaimed educator
More than 200 people gathered in El Dorado recently for one purpose. They came by bus loads from Texas. They drove from neighboring towns. They came to honor Dr. Sherwin Aaron Allen Sr.
Mayor Frank Hash presented Allen with a signed proclamation June 9, declaring that day Dr. Sherwin Aaron Allen Sr. Day. Allen serves as chief executive officer and superintendent of Children First Academy with campuses in Dallas and Houston, Texas. These schools have consistently earned exemplary status for more than 15 years and have strong parental and community support.
Ester Davis, an award-winning writer and television host in Texas, arranged what she thought would be a simple act of recognition for Allen. It turned into a community event at the El Dorado Conference Center and attracted guests from three states. She got to know Allen through interviews with him.
Davis reached out to Hash because she was struck by how Allen spoke of his hometown and regularly returned for El Dorado Days and other gatherings to see family and friends.
“Of all the places he has lived, the larger cities, he talked about El Dorado and his experiences there … his beginnings,” said Davis. “He is a proud native son.”
Allen graduated in 1960 from Washington High School with honors. He started his career after college as a band director in Fordyce. From his El Dorado beginnings, he has served “with distinct exemplary status in the field of education” in Austin, Bay City, Dallas (three schools), Phoenix, Benton Harbor (Michigan) and a chosen member of the Barbara Sizemore Program, DePaul
University, Chicago,” Davis said.
One of the schools Allen left in exemplary status as a principal was Thomas L. Marsalis. This school was recognized by the Phi Delta Kappa as one of the top three schools in the United States.
It has been documented in “Up From Excellence” a book written for academic achievement by the Texas Association for School curriculum and Development.
Davis said she called city hall late one day and the mayor answered the phone himself.
“He was very warm and genuine,” she said, praising Hash for helping organize the recognition for Allen.
“The crowd assembled in the beautiful El Dorado Conference Center, stood to their feet with over-the-top smiles, cameras and applause,” Davis said.
“Family, friends, classmates, teachers, principals, students enjoyed a splendid southern meal with homemade peach cobbler. Best wishes continue to come in from elected officials, former students and peers.
Texas State Rep. Senfronia Thompson, said of Allen: “His vision of excellence is truly deserving of praise.”
Davis said El Dorado was welcoming to the large crowd of guests from out of state.
“Our forever thanks to the mayor and the fine City of El Dorado,” she said.
“With all the racial tension nationally, for me this was a highlight. The city was quite welcoming.”