Mr. Basketball Dontaie Allen honored with road sign

Image
  • Allen is the all-time leading scorer for Pendleton County
    Allen is the all-time leading scorer for Pendleton County
Small Image
Road signs on U.S. 27 on each side of Pendleton County High School were erected to honor Allen
Body

    The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet installed two signs along U. S. 27 in Pendleton County to honor prep basketball star Dontaie Allen.
    “It’s truly an honor. Growing up in Pendleton County, I always prided myself on wanting to make a difference by being an example to the younger generation. I believe I’ve done that and will continue to do that. I’m grateful for the recognition,” said Allen about the honor.
    The new signage is part of a package of honorary roadside signs designated by the 2020 General Assembly to recognize community accomplishments and to honor individuals who have inspired and improved the lives of fellow Kentuckians.
    “Ceremonially naming roads and bridges is a popular tradition Kentuckians take pride in to recognize people and milestones that bring respect to the Commonwealth,” said Kentucky Transportation Secretary Jim Gray.
    In Pendleton County, a pair of signs on U.S. 27 near  Pendleton County High School will declare the community “Home of Dontaie Allen 2019 KY Mr. Basketball.”
    Rep. Mark Hart said, “It’s such a pleasure to recognize a young man who has come to mean so much to this community. Through hard work, determination and the support of his coaches, family, and teachers, Dontaie Allen has built on his God-given talents to become a world-class basketball player. He’s a leader on and off the court and I’m looking forward to watching him play again as a Wildcat, this time at UK.”
    “I can’t explain how it feels to get to drive by this sign every time I go to work or go to the high school or just heading out of town. I’ve drove by it a few times already and I can’t stop smiling. I catch myself staring at the first sign and still turning around for a glimpse of the second one,” said his mother, April Thomas