We are not really sure how long Andy Allen has been teaching but we know that every day he has, he has been a positive role model for everyone who has gone through Oyster River. He is kind to everyone and has helped so many kids through hard times and put smiles on everyone’s faces he has known. Not just the people he has directly taught, not just the kids on his sports team, but everyone in the schools. We know that he has gone through some hard times himself but even then he always was there for the students and tried to take everything he has gone through to teach the students and the community a few things.

I know personally that he has been one of the most influential coaches/teachers that I have ever had. Even more than that he has been a friend to me since I was in 5th grade. Even now, after a full semester of being out of the school system, he still takes the time and effort to ask me how I am doing. Ever since I have met him I knew that I could always go to him and talk about my life, things I was going through or just general discussions about sports or anything really when I needed a good laugh or a friendly face in the school.

He really cares about all the students he meets and does not just forget about them once he no longer is a teacher or coach to them. He is a gem of a guy and we wish that we could thank him more. Whenever the need arises for something to be done, Andy faces it with open arms. Whether it is coming into health classes to share powerful personal stories, or coaching the ORHS tennis team after the former coach left. He makes many things possible for students, and makes the Oyster River Community what I came to see it as, and is one of the reasons I still gladly go back to ORHS when I am home. The world needs more guys who are caring, friendly such as Andy Allen.

In our opinion it would be a terrible loss to the community of Oyster River. Not only for the students, but faculty and community members who have gotten to know Andy. It is unfair to treat such a loyal, hardworking, respectful individual like the manor he is being treated.

So, please reconsider this decision.

Sincerely,

The Students, Graduates & the Oyster River Community