Oklahoma principal watched quietly as the popular kid wasn’t crowned prom king — who students chose instead caught him off guard
Prom is something most students eagerly look forward to and participate in with great enthusiasm. When it comes to being crowned Prom King, it is often expected that the most popular student will take the title. However, that did not happen at Pauls Valley High School in Oklahoma, as reported by NBC on Monday, April 20, 2026. The school principal, Kirk Moore, was also present at the school’s prom party and was silently enjoying himself until the Prom King was revealed. The students chose their Prom King not based on popularity, but in response to an earlier incident that truly reflected the values of a "king."
It turned out that the students voted their principal, Kirk Moore, as the Prom King. They surprised him by crowning him at the event that took place on Friday. However, the selection wasn’t random or just a token gesture; it was Moore’s actions that made him truly deserving of the honor. In other words, if not for the school principal, the students might not have been celebrating prom. Earlier this month, on April 7, Moore played a key role with his brave actions, according to a post from the outlet. When a 20-year-old shooter entered the school and attempted to open fire, the principal's astute response of tackling him down single-handedly saved the students and staff.
Footage captured by the school's CCTV camera shows a man casually entering the school hallway with a loaded gun. As soon as he threatened the students seated in the lobby, Moore rushed out from behind a wall and tackled the gunman, wrapping his arms around him. He grabbed the hand holding the gun, struggling to keep control as the man tried to break free. Soon, he was assisted by another staff member, and they successfully disarmed the would-be shooter. During the confrontation, Moore was shot in his leg, but still made sure not to let the man go out of his grip. Later, the investigation revealed the suspect had probably planned a mass shooting.
The state investigators found two loaded, semi-automatic weapons with the suspect. He was booked with several charges, including one count of shooting with intent to kill. That brave act of disarming the would-be shooter and holding him until police arrived turned Kirk Moore into a hero. What could have been a day marked by tragedy ended without a single injury, thanks to his swift and decisive action. After this life-saving intervention that exhibited bravery, compassion, leadership, astuteness, and so much more, the students knew there was no one more deserving of the title. Stunned by their kind gesture, the principal gladly obliged, further continuing celebrations with his beloved staff and students.