Ben Allen swears in at Barnum Hall

California State Senator and Samo alumnus Ben Allen was sworn into office at Barnum Hall on Saturday Jan. 17, bringing his political pursuits full circle.The ceremony celebrated Allen’s election with performances from Samo choirs and speeches congratulating him on his political success.According to Allen, Samo is a very special place for him therefore having his celebration at Barnum Hall, where he had performed in the production “Peter Pan” as Captain Hook when he attended Samo in the 1990s, was very exciting.“I wanted this to be a celebration of where I come from, this incredible community, and where we’re going to go,” Allen said.According Ben Allen supporter Benjamin Kay, Allen’s experience as a Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District (SMMUSD) board member will help him as the State Senator for District 26.“Through SMMUSD, he learned a great deal about the education system and the struggles within the educational system,” Kay said. “He’s seen the good, bad and the ugly in terms of politics [within the education system] and now he’ll be more successful in navigating the real world politics at the state level.”

According to Maša Petrović (’15), attending Allen’s swearing-in ceremony was a very unique experience, one that demonstrated Allen’s connection with the community.“I feel he exhibits great leadership qualities that will be very beneficial towards the community,” Petrović said. “I found it wonderful how he was part of the community at the event rather than focusing purely on himself like most politicians.”

A major part in his community swear in was when Allen took out a letter from one of his supporters that guaranteed him her vote if he shaved his beard, according to Petrović.“He revealed that he has a personality,” Petrović said. “He is the type of leader that connects with the community rather than hovers over the community.”