Pauls Valley High School Principal Takes Action During Shooting Incident
When gunfire erupted within the halls of Pauls Valley High School, Principal Kirk Moore found himself confronting a life-threatening situation. The incident, which occurred last month, involved a gunman identified as 20-year-old Victor Hawkins, a former student of the school. Moore described the moment leading up to the shooting as ordinary until it abruptly transitioned into chaos.
### A Heroic Response
In an exclusive interview, Moore recounted the events, explaining that the sound of gunfire drew him out of his office. The 60-year-old principal stated his instinct compelled him to confront the assailant. “In 37 years, you go through trainings and drills, yet that all goes out the window,” he reflected on the terrifying experience. Despite being shot during the altercation, Moore’s quick actions ensured that no students or faculty were harmed.
“I fell on the padded bench area, and [Hawkins] just started emptying the gun into the floor,” he said. Moore was unaware of his injury until he felt the warmth of blood after standing up. His instinctive actions have been credited for preventing further injury or potential loss of life that day.
### Community Support and Recognition
Following the incident, Moore received an outpouring of community support. Familiar faces among first responders, including former students, provided comfort during his recovery. He expressed gratitude for this connection, emphasizing how it was reassuring to be treated by people he knew rather than strangers.
Letters of appreciation have poured in from across the globe, with one particularly poignant message coming from the family of a child lost in a previous school shooting. They honored Moore’s bravery, stating, “you did not hesitate. In doing so, you spare countless mothers and fathers the lifelong agony that we now endure.”
In a gesture of recognition of his heroism, students at Pauls Valley High School crowned Moore the prom king a few weeks after the incident. This celebration not only honored his actions but also served to positively reinforce school spirit amidst a tragic situation.
### Financial Contributions Directed to Support Students
Moore has turned the financial support he received into a means to benefit others. Over $20,000 was raised through a GoFundMe page established in his honor. Instead of keeping the funds for personal use, Moore designated the money to go towards the “Principal Kirk Moore Fund” at the high school, which aims to provide graduation gifts for students. In addition, several companies, including Love’s Travel Stops & Country Stores, the Oklahoma Energy Resources Board, The People of Oklahoma Oil and Natural Gas, and Hobby Lobby, are contributing a total of $50,000 to the fund.
“This is going to be money that will be a graduation gift for kids that stuck it out,” Moore said, expressing his satisfaction with the donations. He sees the money as a way to reward students for their resilience during a challenging year.
### Legal Proceedings Against the Suspect
Victor Hawkins was apprehended at the school shortly after the shooting and now faces multiple charges, including shooting with intent to kill. Although Hawkins had not previously been in Moore’s office for disciplinary actions, the principal reflects often on the young man’s circumstances. “I feel like we need to pray for that kid as much as we pray for anybody,” Moore said, acknowledging that Hawkins may have been in a troubled state during the incident.
Hawkins has pleaded not guilty to the charges against him and is currently being held on a $1 million bond.
The incident at Pauls Valley High School serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers within educational environments. Moore’s actions, characterized by selflessness and bravery, have fostered a sense of community support that transcends immediate danger. The principal’s focus on helping students and the compassion he has shown toward the suspect highlights the complexities of responding to violence in schools.
As the community processes the events that transpired, there is a renewed commitment to ensuring a safe learning environment for all students. Moore continues to navigate the aftermath of the event, not only as a leader but also as a symbol of hope and resilience in the face of adversity.
Source: Original Reporting
About The Author
