School Resource Officer (SRO) Chris Moran received a national award for his meaningful contributions to CHS on Wednesday, February 12, at a surprise event hosted by dude, be nice (DBN) in the auditorium.
Prior to becoming an SRO in 2020, Officer Moran was a first responder during the September 11 terrorist attack on the World Trade Center. Moran spent 10 years at the New York Police Department and 19 years at the Virginia Beach Police Department.
According to the founder of DBN Brent Camalich, DBN is a national organization based in Austin, Texas, that celebrates individuals who positively impact their community and create legacies “beyond comprehension.”
Officer Moran was nominated for the award by a previous colleague, retired Master Police Officer Amy Bierman. Bierman has known Officer Moran for 20 years, first meeting him in 2005 as a rookie at the Virginia Beach Police Department (VBPD).
After learning about DBN and watching their videos, Bierman approached the organization, with a plan to recognize Moran.
“He’s always that officer that’s fair to everyone and also brought his sense of humor to work, so we’ve had a lot of laughs,” Bierman said. “The past several years, Officer Moran has brought that sense of duty and humor to the students and staff here at Cox High School.”
During his time at CHS, Moran has made a lasting impact on students. After connecting with students and learning about the overwhelming community support, DBN concluded that Moran was a “deserving recipient” for the national award.
After Officer Moran was chosen for the award, Camalich asked CHS students about Moran’s legacy over the past five years he’s been at the school. Student responses included phrases such as feeling ‘safe and protected’, but the most touching legacy he has left is a sense of belonging, opening his office to students and staff when they need a shoulder to lean on, or simply offering advice.
“A lot of times we don’t really feel good about the world, but there’s a person, this guy right here (Moran), that makes a lot of kids feel good and welcome and that’s what we’re here to celebrate today,” Camalich said.
The DBN event was disguised as the annual Leadership Workshop Round-up, and was held during an extended Advisory block, an event that took months to plan out.
Freshman and sophomores flooded the auditorium, while juniors and seniors watched the streamed event in classrooms. The event itself, organized by senior Erma Grey Bailey and junior Nate Wallace, began with an explanation about Leadership Workshop and it’s purpose for younger students while older students, or counselors, performed skits related to ‘Workshop Weekend’ that will be held the first week in April.
After the counselor’s entertainment, the event emcees informed the audience that they were actually there in celebration of Officer Moran for winning a national award. Then, Officer Moran was radioed in by another security guard, with the explanation that there was an “altercation in the auditorium”.
When Moran entered the auditorium, he was met with a dance battle between Computer Science teacher Mr. Mackey and math teacher Mr. Duffy which represented the “altercation”. After the “battle”, Moran was informed that the event was actually for him, recognizing the positive impact he makes on students and staff on a daily basis. The applause that followed was deafening.
“I was like what… is going on and then it hit me that you people pulled a fast one on me,” Moran said.
After watching the Coquettes dance team perform, Moran was called up to the stage to sit in a throne specifically made for him. Then his family and a few former colleagues were brought on stage.
Sergeant Joseph O’Hara recognized Moran for his positive influence, and service as an officer and SRO.
“As an SRO, Moran’s primary responsibility is the safety of all you kids and the staff, however Officer Moran’s role steps far beyond that…It’s about the school being a place of trust, respect, and kindness.” O’Hara said. “This recognition is a testimony to the power of kindness and the impact, and the positive interactions you’ve had.”
The CHS Falcon mascot then presented Moran with a nest that contained a Limited Edition Herff Jones Legacy Ring inside.
“This is for people just like you who are making lasting legacies on their campuses. I want you to wear this with pride, wear it with love and I hope you remember this day for ever and ever and know that you have lived a life of meaning and purpose,” Camalich said.
Junior Andrew Lupien, who lost his mother last year, he expressed his gratitude and thanked Moran for his support.
“After the passing of my mother, I found myself overwhelmed with grief and uncertainty. One day, I came into your office, and you welcomed me during the school day, offering a warm smile and making sure I was present. ” Lupien said. “ I want to thank you for helping me and building a relationship with me during a rough time in my life.”
Moran was also gifted with a specialized football jersey with his name on the back and gift cards. Finally, Duffy led the students, in honor of Moran, with the “I am Somebody” speech, including a special phrase recognizing Moran as the reason that students feel that they are “somebody” at CHS.
After receiving a national award based on his legacy at CHS, Officer Moran reflected on his legacy as a police officer.
“I worked in New York City from 1992 to 2002, and while I was there 9/11 happened and that definitely left an impression on how bad things could get,” Moran said. “We all know that this is a dangerous job, but when reality hits, it brings you back down to Earth.”
After becoming an SRO, working for countless years as an officer, and receiving a national award, Moran hopes to end his career at CHS and retire, and potentially become a school security officer.
“…Its fun being involved in school and getting to know you guys,” Moran said. “Guys that do this job and have no interaction with the school and are not really involved, are really missing a lot.”
