"Closed due to low enrollment" Didn't Stop Heidi

A lot of people know about Heidi M. Allen, the eighteen year old girl missing from the small town of New Haven, New York yet by comparison, only a few “knew” Heidi. I enjoy my blog all the time yet this series is an opportunity for me to introduce you to Heidi, my little sister versus a one of the nation’s statistics of missing persons.

Heidi was scheduled to graduate from Bishop Cunningham Jr. /Sr. High School in Oswego, New York in June of 1993 but this did not happen. At the completion of her junior year in high school she had a choice to make. Either Heidi returned to Mexico High School or applied for admission to college a year early. Her decision reflected Heidi’s determination to move forward and reach her goals, a year earlier.

Due to Heidi’s exemplar academics and extra-curricular records she was accepted to Onondaga Community College (OCC) with some conditions. She accepted and strived to prove she would not only meet the college’s guidelines but would surpass them. Instead of riding the bus to school in September, she drove herself to her first semester at college. At the end of the first year, Heidi had high honors and received her high school diploma and recognition from the college for her stellar performance.

The following year she maintained high honors, worked full time and volunteered at the local elementary schools. In her free time (yeah right) she spent time with her boyfriend, Brett, her family, and friends. She was driven to be the best at everything she did. I believe it is genetic, great genes! I remember when she got her Word Processor and the hours it saved her versus using my electric typewriter. Oh my, what would she say as I sit and do my blogs via my laptop or netbook?

Heidi was scheduled to graduate in May of 1994 with the highest of honors. She had already started to interview for various places so she would have her new career set in place even before she walked across the stage for graduation. She worked so hard and was denied the opportunity to receive the college diploma she sacrificed and strived to earn.

The following year my parents received a telephone call from OCC to invite them to attend the 1995 graduation ceremony. My parents asked “Why?” The response brought tears to all of our eyes…”We would like you to receive Heidi’s diploma on her behalf. She worked so hard and proved it was possible not only to start college a year early but also to excel with the highest of honors earned.” Mom and Dad dressed to the tee left to receive their youngest daughter’s college diploma and it hangs at their house still today.

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Typically our high school and college diplomas collect dust in a filing cabinet after we finish photocopying them for applications but Heidi’s is displayed in the beautiful frame it was gifted to my parents in. This symbol of perseverance and stature are displayed amongst photos and other displays of Heidi’s impact and connection to our community.

Heidi overcame obstacles in life. What obstacle are you facing today? Is there one thing you could change to help you not only get over this trial but to leap over it with grace?

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