WORCESTER — For Allison (DeJesus) Gomez ‘09, the dance studios of Burncoat High School were more than a place to practice routines. They were a source of familiarity for a new student in the Worcester Public Schools.
Originally from Brooklyn, New York, DeJesus relocated just before high school. When she arrived, Allison knew nothing about the dance program that would go on to define her time in WPS.
“I remember being assigned to music and when I walked into the hallway, I saw a dance studio and I said ‘what is this,’” DeJesus said, reflecting on those first days at Burncoat. “They said this is our dance studio, H-15’. So, I immediately went to my guidance counselor and made that switch.”
A dancer since childhood, Allison embraced the opportunity to dance in a public school setting. The experience became a spark, leading to three years as an NFL cheerleader with the New England Patriots – including appearances at Super Bowl LI and LII.
“It's an electric feeling being on the field (for gameday), but it's really what we achieved beyond the field that resonates with me,” Allison said. “As an ambassador for NFL Mexico, I had the privilege of bridging the gap with Latin countries, visiting Mexico to engage with nonprofits, inspire communities, and generate excitement for the international games there. Working with children, schools, and nonprofits across these communities are experiences I’ll treasure forever.”
Allison (DeJesus) Gomez works with children during a New England Patriots community event. (Photo submitted)
At Burncoat, Allison participated in dance events throughout the city. Those earliest events gave her the chance to perform under pressure while also serving as a public-facing ambassador for Burncoat; much like she experienced as a cheerleader on the professional stage.
“Looking back at this whole journey, from being at Burncoat, to the NFL to now, it’s really about, how do you handle yourself under pressure? … That's something that I learned freshman year at Burncoat and up to today,” Allison said.
The dance program helped Allison build her skills in time management, organizational development and professionalism. These lessons became essential as she represented the Patriots and the NFL in over 50 community events as a cheerleader, ambassador, and role model.
“Giving back and creating moments of joy and inspiration for others were the most meaningful parts. Those values were rooted in my high school experience at Burncoat, where dance and community involvement taught me the importance of impact and connection,” Allison said.
Allison (DeJesus) Gomez holds the Lombardi Trophy during a New England Patriots game. (Photo submitted)
Allison credits Ms. Joan Sheary — a former Radio City Rockette who trained in New York City — for laying the foundation of Burncoat’s dance program and setting the standard. That standard has been carried on by current dance program director, Ms. Kellie Shea, who also coached Allison in high school, and today teaches Allison’s three-year-old daughter.
“Ms. Shea challenged me, and it made me want to make both her and Ms. Sheary proud,” Allison said. “I aspired to gain their respect and become an A student because of their influence. They genuinely cared about their students, and to this day, they remain the best mentors I've ever had.”
Allison had mentors in dance, but she also found them in the community with the Latino Education Institute (LEI) at Worcester State University.
LEI showed Allison about the community benefit of nonprofit work, and now, years later, she is pursuing her Ph.D. in Strategic Leadership and Administrative Studies from Marywood University. She hopes to serve low-income communities and nonprofits locally, and lift up the next generation of leaders, once she graduates.
“My parents put me in (LEI) being that we were new to the area, and connecting me to different resources, and I learned about it too,” Allison said. “We would have classes about what college life is like, what is offered and teaching us self sufficiency. It was for that reason that I stuck through Worcester State, did my Bachelor’s and then I finished my Master’s there as well.”
Allison says that for students looking to find their own path, having confidence in what you bring to the table can go a long way.
“This world is one big puzzle, and so you can’t compare yourself to someone else. You are probably that missing puzzle piece for the whole picture,” she said.
Allison (DeJesus) Gomez in her office. (Photo submitted)
Calling All WPS Alumni!
Are you a WPS alumni? We would love to hear what you have been up to!
Please take a moment to fill out the WPS Alumni Survey to join our growing alumni network and stay up-to-date on all the latest news and events happening in our district.