Mr. Allen's Bio

“It’s hard to believe this is my 9th year at Badin High School,’’ said Dirk Allen, Badin’s Director of Admissions and Media Relations, as the 2009-10 school year began. “Well, people say time flies when you’re having fun – this certainly has been fun.”

Allen oversees recruiting and admissions at Badin, handles the school’s publicity efforts, teaches the Journalism class, and is responsible for numerous other duties at the school.

“I enjoy spreading the gospel of Badin throughout the area,’’ Allen said. “This is an outstanding school and students have a great experience here.

“Our students do so many positive things that it’s always nice to get them recognition,’’ he added. “And that recognition should encourage others to join us at Badin. The opportunities here are terrific.”

Dirk came to Badin after a career of more than two decades in the newspaper business, most of it at the JournalNews in Hamilton – including 10 years as the sports editor (1983-93), six years as the opinion page editor (1993-1999) and the last two years as the managing editor (1999-2001).

A native of suburban Cleveland, Dirk is a graduate of Princeton High School in Cincinnati, and has a degree in Political Science and History from Brown University in Providence, R.I.

Many people are familiar with Dirk’s book, “Good Tears,” published in 2000, about the 10-year march to the 1998 Division II girls basketball state championship. He calls it “one of the most rewarding things I’ve ever done in my life.” It is still available for purchase at Badin.

Dirk has handled the duties as “the voice of Badin” for the last several years, announcing home football and boys basketball games. He’s also the chair of the athletic Hall of Fame committee and co-moderator of the Ambassador program at BHS.

“Things happen at Badin every day that impress me,’’ Allen said. “The students have high standards. And the faith formation they receive gives them a social conscience that is so important in their lives.”