Social media was blowing up on Jan. 7, filled with photos of senior Mackenzie Allen and heartfelt purple text carrying heavy news: Allen had passed away the night before due to epileptic complications. A post on the EHS Color Guard’s Instagram was filled with loving comments from everyone from fellow members to rival schools, expressing their love for the beauty who was taken too soon.

Allen had been a key member of color guard, National Honors Society and Sign Language Club. She had also been honored as the student of the month in September. Outside of school, she was an avid baker and passionate sunday school teacher. 

She had initially joined color guard because of her friend, Annabel Carr, who first introduced her to the beautiful sport.

“She thought that it looked really inviting and she wanted to be a part of it,” Carr said. “Ever since then, she picked up really fast because she wanted to be good at it… she was one of the best performers on the team, for sure.” 

But it wasn’t just skill that Allen brought to the guard. 

“I remember she had the brightest, most contagious smile. You couldn’t help but be happy around her,” junior Madilyn Flavio said. 

Allen’s smile is one thing that would be impossible to forget. An explosion of light radiated from her face towards everyone who laid eyes on her, easing their worries– if only for a moment– and making them feel a rush of joy that forced a smile in response. Bad days were cured with her smile. 

When asked what Allen left behind, senior Alene Hanks’ answer was simple yet powerful. “She left her happiness.” 

Hanks also added that color guard was starting each practice with a moment of silence to remember Allen. 

Flavio  remembers her during practice even after this small pause. “She was constantly encouraging and pushing us to be better,” she said. “Kenzie turned our team into a family. Although we may not have her physical presence, she is definitely still encouraging us at every rehearsal.” 

Allen will be missed, but she will never be forgotten. She never let her epilepsy stop her from being a kind person or from engaging in her favorite activities. She never hesitated to be the light in everyone’s life.  

As Flavio said, “Her story has taught us all that no matter how hard the path may be, do what your heart wants.”