In a remarkable display of gratitude and resilience, students at an Oklahoma high school crowned their principal prom king after he heroically intervened to disarm an armed intruder on campus, sustaining a gunshot wound in the process. Kirk Moore, the principal of Pauls Valley High School, received this heartfelt honor during the school's prom on Friday night, following a student vote to recognize his courageous actions in defending them from potential harm.
A Hero's Recognition
Video footage from the event captured the emotional moment as students cheered and celebrated, with some offering high-fives to Moore in congratulations. The principal made his entrance to the sound of Nickelback's song "Hero," the iconic theme from the 2002 film Spider-Man, adding a poignant touch to the ceremony. As a crown was placed on his head, the chorus lyrics resonated through the venue: "And they say that a hero can save us / I'm not going to stand here and wait," symbolizing Moore's swift and selfless response to the threat.
The Attack and Intervention
This jubilant celebration followed a harrowing sequence of events that unfolded on April 7 at approximately 2:30 PM, at the school located about 60 miles south of Oklahoma City. According to sworn police documents, the alleged attacker, Victor Lee Hawkins, a 20-year-old former student of Pauls Valley High School, entered the campus armed with two semi-automatic handguns and fired multiple shots.
School surveillance video documented the intrusion, showing Hawkins pointing his pistol and ordering everyone to the ground. Special agent Meric Mussett of the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation detailed in a statement that the alleged shooter aimed his weapon at a female student in the lobby and pulled the trigger, but the gun malfunctioned, potentially averting a tragedy. Hawkins then targeted a male student in the foyer before Principal Moore emerged from his office and charged at the assailant.
Preventing a Potential Mass Shooting
During the struggle, Moore was shot in the leg but managed to disarm Hawkins with the assistance of another school staff member who arrived to help. Authorities have praised Moore's actions, emphasizing that he likely prevented a mass shooting at the school. Court documents reveal that Hawkins was obsessed with the 1999 Columbine High School massacre in Colorado, which resulted in the deaths of 12 students and one teacher, underscoring the gravity of the threat.
Don May, the police chief of Pauls Valley, told NBC News that Moore's actions were both amazing and life-saving. "It doesn't surprise me the actions that he took, but it is amazing, the actions that he took," May stated. "There's not a doubt in my mind that he saved kids' lives."
Principal Moore's Response
In a statement reported by NBC, Moore expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support he received after the incident. He highlighted the importance of preparedness in educational settings, noting, "Like so many educators around the country, we prepare for these events through training and careful assessment of the threats. I am grateful that my instincts and training, as well as God's hand, were available to me."
This event not only showcases the bravery of school staff in crisis situations but also the deep bond between students and educators, as evidenced by the prom king honor. The community's response serves as a testament to the resilience and unity that can emerge in the face of adversity, turning a moment of fear into one of celebration and recognition.
