Alumni Focus - Isaiah Allen ('19)

Isaiah Allen (‘19) has grown from SCLA middle school and high school to college graduate and award winner to published author who recently spoke to students in a former SCLA classroom. We love to see alumni have these full circle moments and bring their talents back to encourage the next classes of students. An all-around accomplished young man, Isaiah revisits his years in sports, service, business, and writing for children.

How did you come to SCLA?

I first joined St. Croix Lutheran Academy in seventh grade. Before that, I attended Heritage ESTEM, a magnet school in West St. Paul, just a five-minute walk from the St. Croix campus. My parents were eager for me to have access to the best resources and support available as I transitioned into high school. They gave me the choice between St. Croix Academy and St. Thomas Academy, and I chose the former, drawn by its welcoming environment that immediately felt like home.

What were you involved with? 

At SCLA, I was deeply involved in a variety of activities. I thrived as a three-sport athlete, competing in football, basketball, and track and field throughout my time. Additionally, I was an active participant in the student government and represented our school in the Model United Nations programs hosted by the YMCA, as well as being a part of the Global Leadership Team. These experiences not only enriched my high school years but also helped hone my leadership and teamwork skills.

What is your favorite memory of SCLA?

There are so many to choose from! Highlights definitely include winning track races, scoring touchdowns in football, and being named Student of the Month. But if I had to pick the standout memory, it would be winning the homeroom games two consecutive years. What made it particularly special was taking home the trophy for Mr. Hansen in his retirement year—there was something truly rewarding about giving such a memorable farewell to a beloved teacher.

Did any specific teachers have an impact on you?

At SCLA, two teachers in particular had a profound impact on my academic and athletic life. Mr. Drkula, who taught PE, health, and a business class, also served as my running back coach on the football team. His patient yet encouraging approach helped me excel both on the field and in the classroom. He had a unique way of instilling trust and leadership in me, even as an underclassman, which resonated deeply. His enthusiasm for business inspired me to pursue a major in business and leadership at the University of St. Thomas.   

Another influential figure was Mr. Schacht, whose passion for teaching was matched only by his zeal for track and field. From our very first meeting, he encouraged me to join track, always checking in after football or basketball season to ensure I was healthy and ready for spring training. His dynamic presence in the classroom fueled my desire to achieve excellence both as a student and an athlete. 

The encouragement and coaching from both Mr. Drkula and Mr. Schacht have played pivotal roles in shaping the strong work ethic I carry with me today.

Tell us about the path that led you to where you are today? 

After high school, I was recruited to play football at the University of St. Thomas, where I played for two years during the team's transition from Division III to Division I. However, I decided to step away from football to focus on post-university opportunities. While at St. Thomas, I had the chance to teach a class to my peers about the intricacies of nonprofits, leveraging my extensive volunteer board service. By my senior year, I had accumulated over 200 volunteer hours, earning the Presidential Volunteer Service Award at the gold level.

As a business student, I also served on the Undergraduate Business Council and worked at a leading tech startup called Tonal, which specializes in digital weight training equipment. My role involved global strategic sourcing. Additionally, I was the Director of Community Engagement and Partnerships for the nonprofit, Girls Are Powerful. In my last semester, I wrote and published a book that sold hundreds of copies before the end of 2023. This book journey opened up numerous opportunities, including paid speaking engagements and the chance to share my book with students from elementary to university levels. My efforts culminated in receiving the world award from People Planning Justice for Social Change, recognizing my book as the Book of the Year.

How did writing your book come about? 

During my college years, I began writing poems as a fun and creative outlet. By my last semester, I found myself reflecting on my college experience and questioning whether I had made the most of my time. This introspection led me to take on a bigger project—writing a book. I often tell people I wrote it simply because I could, but more deeply, it was because I recognized I had the capability to share something meaningful. I named the book *A Smile* because it embodies the power of positivity, a theme I feel is often overlooked. The central message is that positivity can profoundly impact not only the people around us but also our entire environment. It's about the transformative power of a positive attitude in shaping atmospheres and experiences. I am grateful for the foundational experiences at St. Croix Lutheran Academy, which have influenced my perspectives and will be recognized in my upcoming books. I want readers to understand that *A Smile* is more than just a book; it's an invitation to change the world one positive interaction at a time.

What was it like speaking to the SCLA Child Development class recently?

Visiting the Child Development class was a deeply nostalgic experience for me. Many of my favorite memories were made in that classroom alongside some of my closest friends. When Ms. Hillstrom invited me to return and speak to the high school students, I immediately accepted. My eagerness wasn't just driven by a longing for my old school, but also by an understanding of the value that expert guest speakers can bring. Having once sat in the same seats as these students, I knew I could offer them additional perspectives and perhaps inspire them by sharing my own journey and experiences.

Anything else you'd like to share? 

It’s no secret that I enjoy reading, especially fantasy novels, which I can really dive into. I also listen to quite a few podcasts. Last year, I took up running 5K races, which has been a thrilling new challenge. Although I’m naturally more of a sprinter, pushing my limits has become a daily goal. On top of all this, I’m continuously working on writing more books, keeping the creative process alive and well.