Amarillo Mourns The Passing Of An Influential Educator, Principal

The school shopping is done. New clothes, new supplies, and new teachers are all ready to go.

Tomorrow is supposed to be an exciting day for both parents and kids in the Amarillo ISD world as the first day of a new school year is upon us. Sadly, tragedy has reared its ugly head into the first day of school.

A beloved member of the AISD staff passed away over the weekend, and left an elementary school without their principal. Sleepy Hollow Elementary Principal Chris Paddock has passed away on the dawn of a new year.

Paddock was beloved by students and had himself a very lengthy resume here in the Yellow City. He had been nearly everything you can think of in the education system. A teacher, a coach for sports, and most recently a principal.

He made stops at Fannin Middle School, Travis Middle School, Caprock High School, Palo Duro High School, and Sleepy Hollow Elementary, which would ultimately be his last stop sadly.

Paddock was a people person. He felt that no matter what, people could make others smile and could lift one another up. He once told AISD during their "Short Stories" series:

“How many high-fives can give your staff today? How many high-fives can you give your kids? How many smiles can you let people borrow because they can't find theirs that day? I really believe that if you value people and we have that relationship where we can talk about anything, then we can get through it together.”

There aren't many people left in the world who have that kind of attitude and genuinely care about others and want to be there for them. AISD and Amarillo in general will miss this kind soul, and our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends at this time.