Jenny Allemeier and her husband of almost 25 years, Bernie, wanted their three daughters to have a “permanent presence” at their events.
“My husband is retired Air Force, “Allemeier says. “Since he was serving in the military and deployed quite often, I became a stay-at-home mom.”
Their daughters, Kylie, Bailey and Lesley, have since paved their own path through athletics and music at Altus Schools.
Kylie, now a freshman swimmer at Southwestern University in Georgetown, Texas, was a state champion in the 400 freestyle relay and a standout track runner at Altus High School. She was also a percussionist and xylophone player in That Altus Band and played the bassoon during concert season.
Lesley, the baby of the Allemeier clan, is an eighth-grade cross country and track runner. She also participates in ballet and is part of Altus’ winterguard.
Bailey, one of the Bulldogs’ premier swimmers, is in the prime of her prep athletic career having just finished her junior season. She placed top five in four events at the 5A state swim meet, including a silver finish in the 200 medley relay. She also plays the flute.
“We tried and it was very easy to be involved in activities. The military does a great job of providing activities for its young dependents,” Allemeier says. “They usually have a wide variety of sports or activities to choose from. We always let them pick if they wanted to do something. We just gave them what options the base had at the time.”
The Allemeier matriarch was herself a track and cross country runner and played the flute. She understands the commitment it takes to support her daughters’ school endeavors and has supported them beyond sitting in the bleachers.
“I want them to go off and find what makes them happy. I want them to find their own success. The lessons I hope they learn are hard work and determination.”
Allemeier serves on the board of That Altus Band Parent Association, which feeds band students at away games and competitions and raises money to provide letterman jackets for them. Allemeier also organizes team meals and snacks for the varsity swim team and has been an official at home swim meets the past four years. She is also a board member of the Altus All Sports Association, which raises money for Altus athletics and letterman jackets for qualifying athletes.
“I believe that it is important to teach [Kylie, Bailey and Lesley] to give back as they can,” Allemeir says. “They should understand that not everyone has the same opportunities in life, and anyone willing to help you out along the way is a blessing.”
In turn, The Allemeier girls have themselves taken opportunities to pay it forward. They have served hamburgers at football games, volleyball games and track meets and have painted murals and made pillows for the Hall of Champions.
“That may also be the military kid in them. They know what it means to sacrifice,” Allemeier says. “There were many school functions, dance recitals and sporting events that [Bernie] couldn’t make because he was overseas. So they know much effort the coaches, other parents and such put in to make sure everyone has a great experience.”
