Paulie Allen '90

I transferred to FRA in 1988, and, from the second I stepped on campus, I absolutely loved this place. Looking back, the two things I remember most of my time at FRA are the quality of friendships I made here.  Still today, they some of the dearest relationships I have. Secondly, I remember how prepared I was for college upon my graduation. It was not easy academically. Because of that, there was never a question of me being prepared to take the next step. Professionally, I can sincerely say that whatever success I have had in my career, I can point back here. FRA has been very instrumental in that.

I really believe in what the school is doing. I believe in the leadership. I believe that it is a gift for the kids who go through here.  Finally, I think this academy has been, at the core, instrumental in me getting out and having some success in the business world. So, when I think of giving back to FRA, I want to give back to the place that helped me get to where I am today.

Giving is personal, and it is different for everyone. For me, FRA is a place that has been and continues to be so supportive of me and supportive of my daughter, Lilli, and I just want to return that because I am so grateful.

When I heard about the FRA Capital Campaign, I decided to invest as a leadership donor for a couple of reasons. I am incredibly excited about the leadership here. I admire Sean’s leadership and his vision.  I admire the Board and the rest of the leaders on the campus for stepping up and taking the risk to do this. The improvements on our campus needed to be done. As I have heard Sean say, the school has really been broken up into three different campuses because of the layout of our school and how it grew throughout the years. As we come upon 50 years, this project really allows us to connect all the campuses into one Academy. That is something I think this school was overdue for, so I really wanted to participate and be part of it.

I believe that what we are currently doing on campus is keeping our competitive advantage.  I believe it is going to continue to lift these kids academically, socially, and athletically to help them maximize their potential, and at the end of the day, that is what every parent wants for our children. My hope is all of this will grow the wings of each student to prepare them for success in college and afterwards.  That is what this place did for me.

I would tell other FRA alumni that when you look at FRA today, obviously you will see all of the physical changes…the new campus, upgraded athletic facilities, and beautiful new buildings. All of those things are wonderful and needed, but what I admire even more is what hasn’t changed. And that is the love, the kindness, and the family feel that is still here for all of us when we come back on campus. All of that holds true for the current students as well. FRA provides the same family experience we had, but it is just a much more beautiful campus now!

My hope for our school moving forward – more important than the buildings – is that we continue to appreciate and value the faculty and leadership we have. They are the core, and that core is out of sight.  I could not be more proud of them.

Franklin Road Academy has done so much for myself and Lilli. It is just very dear to my heart. I want to do everything I can do to show how grateful I am for this school. That is why I continue to invest and support current and future generations of FRA.