by Blair Moore
SPRINGVILLE — When Dr. Gregory Moore of Springville High School walked into the gym after lunch one day in February, cheers erupted. The entire student body, his family and friends were there as he was honored as Alabama’s 2024 High School Principal of the Year.
Dr. Moore was surprised, overwhelmed, and humbled. “I’m a passionate, emotional guy, so I didn’t mind shedding those tears of excitement for what it meant to everyone,” he said.
As the band played their fight song, Moore spotted several of his lifelong mentors in the audience including Mr. Vann Phllips who was principal of E.B. Erwin High School (now Center Point) while Moore coached and taught there. “Mr. Phillips is a mentor to me to this day,” Moore said.
Having noticed Moore’s outstanding character and ability to stay calm under pressure as a coach, Phillips helped Moore get his first position in school administration. Phillips is beyond proud of all that Moore has accomplished and was thrilled to see him receive this award. “I was so happy—I was ecstatic,” said Phillips. “Greg earned every bit of it, and he deserves every recognition and every accolade that he has received.”
Moore was quick to acknowledge those who have played a pivotal role in his life and success including Dr. Patricia Simpson, Andrew Briskey (his high school basketball coach), and his “educational angel” Dr. Jodi Newton who passed away about a year ago. Newton was Moore’s dissertation chair at Samford and greatly supported his administrative journey.
Moore attended Faulkner University on a basketball scholarship. He holds a degree in English, a master’s in Secondary English Language Arts, and an Education Specialist Degree in Educational Leadership. He completed his Doctorate of Education at Samford University. Before assuming his current position as Springville High Principal in 2020, Moore served at Moody High, Pinson Valley High, Chalkville Elementary, and Springville Elementary.
Now in his twenty-fourth year in education, Moore is calling today’s youth to a high level of excellence in both academics and character. Since coming to Springville High, he has placed a major emphasis on reinvigorating what is known as “The Tiger Code,” originally written by counselor Donna Robinson in 2013. The code calls students to high levels of character and sets a tone of respect, integrity and generosity throughout the student body. It’s an integral part of the positive culture of the school.
“I want the Tiger Code to be something that students live not only at school but at home,” Moore said. “In our community, we are all Springville Tigers. The Tiger Code isn’t about perfection. It’s about trying to be the best person you can be every day.”
Teachers reinforce the Tiger Code by living it out. “I appreciate that our teachers share that vision we have for who we want our students to be, and who we all want to be.”
Moore said the honor of being named High School Principal isn’t about him. It’s about what the people of Springville High have accomplished together.
Now, he is looking to the future.
“I’m already thinking, ‘What’s the next thing that I need to do for Springville High School? What’s the next way we can strive towards success?’” Moore said.
“As long as I’m in the business, there’s something else that needs to be done. There’s a child who needs to be helped. There are lives that need to be impacted. There’s always more work to do.”