Retiring Shorecliffs Principal Remembers Book Clubs, Pro Surfers

By Cleo Tobbi --

As this academic year nears its end, principal Kenny Moe rounds off his career with his retirement from Shorecliffs Middle School.

Starting out as a teacher of math, physical education, and social studies, Moe never saw himself in the administrative role he went on to hold for 11 years. It was his role as activities director at Dana Hills High School that had him tackling greater responsibilities, which led to his position as assistant principal. After his time as assistant principal, Moe was promoted to the lead role and has been at Shorecliffs ever since.

Moe said he always loved middle school and making the choice to teach at the middle school level came easily. To work with middle school students was Moe’s way of ensuring they had just as valuable an experience as he did.

“If there’s achievement, it’s being part of a team who has the goal to support kids,” Moe said. “That’s what we try to do.”

Although ready to move on to the next chapter in his life, Moe expressed a great love for his job. And who wouldn’t love leading a school that participated in a huge, school-wide student/parent book club? More than 400 students and parents discussed Funny in Farsi with author Firoozeh Dumas.

Moe also touted the three professional surfers Shorecliffs helped produce, and he smiled at the mention of the surf team. Shorecliffs is nationally ranked in surfing and has won seven national championships in the sport.

Moe looks beyond mere athletic or scholarly achievements and instead, sets his goals to help his students become good overall learners for their future endeavors. It is in the individual development of the student where the retiring principal said he feels most accomplished.

“That’s what you do as a principal,” Moe said. “You’re a cheerleader, you’re a huge support person.”

The cheerleader to step into Moe’s shoes in the coming school year is Heidi Crowley. Moe is more than confident that Crowley will perform famously in her new position as he says his goodbyes to Capistrano Unified School District.

Principal Moe looks forward to his retirement and further involvement with his church, The Shoreline Church of San Clemente. To the district and to the students, parents and teachers he has worked with, Moe just wanted to say, “Thanks for the opportunity to be a part of your life.”