Thomas Allen, a Manchester High School senior in Chesterfield County, is born with cerebral palsy. He is hearing impaired, has a mild speech disorder, and uses a walker to support his weak legs. If other people have doubts that he would graduate from high school or attend a four-year college, not Thomas.

His motivation and optimism helped him win the hearts of the whole school. The school also elected him as 2009’s homecoming king. Allen says his schoolmates and the school administration have never highlighted his disability. Instead, the whole school focuses in his personality; so he has never felt his disability get in the way.

The 22-year old Allen is set to graduate this June 2009. He will receive his diploma after eight years of high school. He is also set to attend the Liberty University in the fall.

People describe Allen as a determined person. Although he got rejected by three colleges and universities, he never lost hope. Eventually, he got accepted at Liberty. Gail Allen, Thomas’ mom said that he chose which schools to apply to by looking at their football teams. Even though he cannot play football or any other sport, he loves the game.

Allen has left his mark on Manchester High’s football and basketball teams. Football coach Tom Hall was impressed that Allen did not use his disability as an excuse when he saw him assisting the basketball team. The coach said Allen was just cheering the team and handing out water without really being asked to. Hall had Allen as a manager eight years ago.

Allen is the recipient of numerous honors. In 10th grade, he received the Manchester High Spirit Award and when he was in 12th grade, he was the recipient of the Virginia High School League’s Spirit of Sport Award.

He was also chosen as the state’s Student of the Year recently by the Virginia Division on Career Development and Transition.

Allen knows that when he goes to college, nobody will be there to help him. However, he is not giving up. In fact, he believes the experience will make him stronger and more independent.