Selected by the Trenton High School Class of 1996, George is no stranger to the campuses of the Trenton R-9 School District. He began his educational path at Norton Elementary School, advancing to Central Junior High and on to Trenton High School. From there he continued his education at Northeast Missouri State University where he received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Education.
An active student in the Trenton schools, George was a member of the Student Council and The Trentonian school newspaper staff, a class president, inducted into the National Honor Society, a T Club member, TAWANA King candidate and a participant in football, basketball and track. During the summer, George played baseball through the Trenton Baseball Association Little League and Pony League, American Legion Baseball and Ban Johnson Baseball. While pursuing his degree in college, he participated in collegiate football, basketball and baseball.
George began his 31-year teaching career at Grundy R-5 in Galt and later taught in the school districts of Maysville, Milan, Gallatin and Breckenridge. In 1986, he came home to teach and coach at Trenton. During his first 14 years in the Trenton schools, he taught seventh and eighth grade mathematics, pre-algebra, algebra and computer applications at Adams Middle School. He transitioned to principal at Trenton Middle School in 2000. In the 2003-04 school year, George moved to the R-9 District Office and assumed the duties of Director of Supportive Services (Building and Grounds), Activities and Athletics, Transportation and Safety. George retired from education in 2007 and then spent six years serving on the R-9 Board of Education.
George says there are many special memories from his years of teaching in the Trenton system. He recalled that in the early 1990’s, his seventh grade mathematics students scored at the top of all students on the MMAT’s. He was also honored to sing the introduction of Chubby Checkers’ “Let’s Do The Twist” while Donalyn Crowley and Shari Wyatt danced at a middle school spring concert.
Many changes occurred during his tenure at Trenton and perhaps the most notable was the sale of the former THS/Adams Middle School building and consequentially the combination of the high school and middle school campuses, and the integration of technology at all levels from Pre-K through 12th grade.
Coaching young athletes was a large part of Moore’s life. For 28 of his 31 years in education, George coached many sports: seventh and eighth grade football, seventh and eighth grade basketball, seventh and eighth grade track, freshman basketball, junior varsity football, assistant varsity football, varsity boys and girls basketball and varsity track. George liked working with young athletes and he loved sports. The highlight of his career in Trenton was being a member of the coaching staff that beat Chillicothe – TWICE!
In addition to his coaching and teaching, George valued his commitment to the First Christian Church – Disciples of Christ. A life-long member, he has served as elder, deacon, board president, Sunday school teacher, choir member and sound system operator. He currently drives the church van.
George’s interests fill his days since retirement. He is president of the Trenton Lions Club, president of the Friendship Place Apartment Board and a member of the Grundy County Museum Board. For 11 years, he has enjoyed farming with his good friend and high school classmate, Jim Binney. An avid NASCAR fan, George has attended races at Charlotte, Texas, Phoenix and Kansas.
George’s greatest pride and joy are his family. Married to wife, Kay for almost 22 years, he has three daughters: Kari Whitaker (David), Kristi Campbell (Rob) and Kelli Griffith (Phil), a stepdaughter, Lindsey Jacobs (Joe), and a stepson, Tom Lattimore (Claudia). In addition, he is blessed with 11 grandchildren and one great-grandson.
“I feel very honored to be selected by the Class of 1996,” he said when notified of his selection as the 2021 honoree. “I have enjoyed watching them develop from middle school youth to young adults in high school.”
George believes the annual Alumni Reunion is so important and he enjoys seeing former students.
“It is always special for me to be reunited with former students during this weekend, whether they have made a home in Trenton or have come back for a visit.”
George appreciates the volunteers who have made and maintained the Alumni Association and made Trenton’s Alumni Weekend one of the best celebrations in the country for class reunions.
“Those dedicated volunteers are vital to keeping the ‘spirit of support’ ongoing. I encourage all generations of recent graduates to commit themselves to the support of future alumni celebrations,” he said.
THS Alumni will gather on Labor Day Weekend for the traditional alumni events.