Beloved Berkeley High School Custodian Sidney Allen Retires

Highly respected custodian Sidney Allen has announced his retirement. Allen has worked for the district since 1977, and has been a custodian at Berkeley High since 1992. “It may seem like Sidney Allen has worked at Berkeley High as a custodian since the beginning of its existence,” said receptionist Ruby Taylor. “I don’t know how many years it has been for him, but I have had the pleasure of knowing him for twenty years.” Throughout his long run at BHS, Allen has done an exceptional job keeping the campus running properly. His job includes many facets, from maintaining the campus, to managing the custodial crew, to handling the many maintenance problems on campus.

“He really liked his job; he’d come in and make sure everything worked,” said receptionist Belinda McDaniel. “He wanted everything to work properly. He’s taken on all sorts of jobs and gone above and beyond his job to make things right. If things weren’t right, he would fix them.” Added Taylor, “I can count on him being in the administration office around 2 PM with his coffee cup in his left hand, ready to do whatever needed to be done.” Allen has similarly fond feelings about Berkeley High, “I’ve worked here for hecka years,” he said chuckling. “I’ve always loved Berkeley High.”

His stretch at Berkeley High has made him one of the most knowledgeable members on staff regarding both the mechanics and the history of the school. “Sidney has a bank of memories in his mind relating to the history of Berkeley High and those he has met over the years,” said Taylor. “I’ve watched as many have tapped into his sense of humor by starting a conversation with ‘Remember when?’” Allen thankfully reported, “I’ve never had any problems here. I’ve had fun while I’ve been here.”

Allen’s colleagues say that he’s a pleasure to work with. “He has remained the same over the years,” said Taylor, “He is a high-spirited man who is hard working and loyal. He is helpful to others whenever he can be.” He is known not only for his work ethic, but also for his sense of humor.

“His true calling is a career as a comedian,” said Taylor. “There have been many occasions when he has brought tears to my eyes,” added McDaniel, “and he always smelled good. His cologne is the best.”

Allen took his job within the community seriously, working overtime to assist everyone who needed help. His commitment to the community has strengthened his connections with everyone he has met. “I’m cool with everybody,” said Allen, “I know all the teachers and I’m friends with all of them. I’ve met them all on the job.”
“Everyone respects him. He is a father figure for everyone,” said McDaniels.

Although he will be missed by the Berkeley High community, Allen is ready for the next chapter in his life. “Heck yes! I’m excited for retirement!” exclaimed Allen. “I’ve got some business to do. I have a gold plating business for cars that I love doing.”

It is possible that Allen will return to Berkeley High in the future in a different capacity, but he will no longer be a regular around the campus. “I will miss him but I am joyful that this time has come for him,” said Taylor. “I hope all his future endeavors will be blessed with success. It is now time for him to pour back into himself, what he has poured into so many.” The Berkeley High community is grateful for all the hard work Allen has put in over the years and his dedication to excellence. His place in the community has been invaluable, and those he has worked with and encountered over the years will remember him with fondness.

McDaniel added, “I loved how it wasn’t just a job for him. He felt like he was fulfilled. He really loved what he was doing.
That’s rare to find in a custodian.”

The Berkeley High communtiy loves him, and wishes him the best.

Photos:

• Sidney (Phoebe Wong)