Students Honor Principal Who Saved Them By Crowning Him Prom King

April 21, 2026

Students at Pauls Valley High School in Oklahoma crowned their principal, Kirk Moore, as prom king just days after he risked his life to protect them.

The surprise honor came during prom night, when Moore stepped forward to cheers, applause, and high-fives from students who knew they were celebrating more than just a title.

They were honoring a man whose courage had made a life-saving difference.

On April 7, Moore sprang into action when a former student entered the school armed with multiple weapons. Without hesitation, he confronted the threat, tackling and helping disarm the suspect in the school’s lobby. 

During the struggle, Moore was shot in the leg, but his quick response prevented what authorities believe could have been a devastating mass shooting.

Thanks to Moore and another staff member, no students were injured.

But for the students whose lives he helped protect, words like ‘hero’ only tell part of the story.

By voting him prom king, they found a way to say thank you, turning a night meant for celebration into something even more meaningful.

“He really is just a savior for our little town.”