If there is anything that people know about Allen Sullivan, it is his sweet and welcoming personality that resonates with anyone who has the pleasure of meeting him.
Sullivan is a long-time Child Nutrition Services employee who works in Hanahan High’s cafeteria. He starts every day arriving at the school in the early hours of the morning to get everything situated in the kitchen, and he does it all with a warm demeanor that has won over coworkers, teachers, staff and students in the building.
“I come in every day, put a smile on my face every day…and get everything ready to go,” he said.
Hanahan High is very much “home” to Sullivan, who attended the school along with his brother and sister. As a student, he was a part of the school’s special services program, and has fond memories of working out in the weight lifting room and participating in driver’s education (and will proudly say he passed his driver’s test on the first try).
He graduated high school in 1998 and later began working in his alma mater’s cafeteria – 26 years later, he is still a dedicated member of the team.
BCSD Child Nutrition Director Benita Smith said Sullivan’s commitment, consistency, and strong work ethic have made a lasting impact on both students and staff over the years.
“He is known for having a heart of gold and takes great pride in his work each and every day,” she said.
Sullivan has multiple responsibilities in the school’s kitchen. He will help tend to the grill – and takes a lot of pride in making sure the grilling area remains clean after each use. He has earned the nickname of the Hawks’ “fry guy”, as French fries are probably his favorite thing to make. He also enjoys making burgers, chicken tenders and pizza – “I help with everything back there,” he said.
He helps run the lunch lines and makes sure all the dishes are spic and span after each use. He also hops over to Fishburne Education Center in the middle day to serve lunch to Headstart students.
“It’s a hard job that you do, trying to get everything prepared and get everything lined up for the next day,” he said. “It’s a very, very hard job…It’s a good job, coming in here every morning, smile on my face, get my grill turned and get ready to go.”
Most importantly, he connects with every Hanahan student who passes through the cafeteria by making sure they are greeted with his trademark grin.
“I got a smile on my face every time they see me,” he said.
Since entering his 40s, Sullivan has become an avid golfer who particularly enjoys playing with his brother in Patriots Point. He was highlighted by ABC News 4 in March after winning at the Special Olympics golf competition near Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. The honor also earned him a recognition by the City of Hanahan council members, who credited him as a valued hometown employee who continues to make a positive difference in the community.
Hanahan High cafeteria manager Tim Tanner has worked with Sullivan for more than eight years.
“We’ve always a good rapport – we get along good and help each other out,” Tanner said. “He is always willing to help everybody, and you can always count on him.”
Assistant manager Erin Cox has worked with Sullivan almost three years and echoed similar thoughts.
“He is one of the funniest people you’ll ever meet, and he is very caring,” she said. “He cares about others before himself. He’s a pretty good man. Without him, this place would not run. We would be lost without him.”
Sullivan plans to stay at the school for as long as possible, and remains very much committed to that “Hawk pride” that has been well established in the school community.
“I love all my people here,” he said. “I love my principal, my guidance (staff), all my staff that works here. I love Hanahan.”
