OPINION/COLUMN
This past week has been filled with lots of good news! A very special moment came on Thursday morning during the Oklahoma State Board of Education meeting held in the Blue Room at the Office of the Governor.
I was honored to join Governor Kevin Stitt and State Superintendent Lindel Fields in recognizing Pauls Valley High School Principal Kirk Moore with the Oklahoma Heroic Award.
This is not an award that is handed out often. In fact, Oklahoma law requires a member of the House of Representatives to formally recommend someone to the governor for consideration because the award is reserved for citizens who demonstrate extraordinary heroism while voluntarily placing themselves in danger to protect others.
I was proud to write that recommendation letter for Principal Moore.
When faced with an active shooter situation at Pauls Valley High School, Principal Moore did not run away from danger. He stepped directly into harm’s way to protect students and staff. His courage, leadership and willingness to put others before himself are exactly what this award was created to recognize.
Governor Stitt said it best when he shared that Principal Moore is “a true hero.”
It was also wonderful to see Superintendent Brett Knight, Assistant Principal Chad Chronister and Coach Mark Green there to support him. You could feel how proud everyone was of Principal Moore and the example he has set for students across Oklahoma.
As both a legislator and a nurse, I deeply value people who stay calm under pressure and put the safety of others first. What Principal Moore did took tremendous courage, and I believe Oklahoma is better because of leaders like him serving our schools and communities.
I hope that the kids had a great last day of school and are enjoying the start of summer. Please know that I continue to pray for our great district daily, and I am here if you should ever need me.
You can email me at cynthia.roe@okhouse.gov, or you can call my office at (405) 557-7365.
Rep. Cynthia Roe, a Republican, represents House District 42 in the Oklahoma House of Representatives.
Her district includes portions of Cleveland, Garvin and McClain counties.
