Hero Principal Named Prom King After Stopping a School Shooter

Kirk Moore, the principal at Pauls Valley High School in Oklahoma, was named prom king for a special reason. On April 7th, 2026, a few weeks before the Prom, Kirk tackled a former student who came to the school armed with a gun. Although he was shot in the leg, he saved the lives of all the kids at his school with his actions.

The principal charged at the man and wrestled him to the ground. Then another teacher was able to take the gun away from the potential school shooter. 

The Principal Was Named Prom King

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It truly was such an honorable thing for him to do. He put his life on the line, knowing he had to stop this person who could potentially hurt his students.

As a thank you, he was named Prom King at the students’ Prom. As the song ‘Hero’ by Nickelback played, Kirk walked past the students, who gave him high-fives, cheered, and danced to the music.

In an interview on Fox News, high school student Rachel Hamilton shares about what that evening at prom was like. “It was honestly…I would almost say, I would say kinda life changing. It felt like we were making a difference being there. And honoring him. It was just a feeling, honestly like no other,” she says. 

The Principal Was Quite the Hero

Kirk Moore is quite the hero for his actions that day, “Without him being there,” Rachel shares. “Who knows what would have happened. And it was a terrible, terrible thing that happened. But I honestly believe that God’s hand was over the entire thing.”

No students were injured that day, thanks to the principal’s brave actions.

According to Rachel, the school community is trying to recover, with some paranoia, but feels the school is very well protected right now.

The Students Returned to School With Therapists

The students returned to school after a few days, accompanied by therapists, therapy dogs, and police officers.

Principal Kirk Moore also released a statement, “Words alone cannot begin to express my gratitude for the outpouring of love and support I have received from the Pauls Valley community. I am forever grateful for the support I am receiving from those close to me, as well as from new friends who have wished me well in their prayers. This support is the reason I am healthy and recovering today.” 

Although no one really knows who came up with the idea to crown the principal Prom King, one thing is for sure: it is 100% deserved and a great way to honor him.

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Prayers and happy thoughts to the students and faculty at Pauls Valley High as they recover from this near tragedy and continue to honor their principal.

WATCH: Principal Named Prom King After Taking Down Potential School Shooter

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Featured Image Credit: YouTube/Fox News Clips

Julie Provost is a GodUpdates staff writer and editor. She lives in Tennessee with her husband, three boys, and little dog Max. She loves to read, go to the movies, and enjoy time with family and friends.