In celebration of Principals Appreciation Month, we proudly recognize Principal Juan Moreno of East Ridge High School. Now in his fifth year leading the school, Moreno brings nearly two decades of experience serving the East Ridge community and a deep passion for empowering students to see the potential within themselves.
Before his role at East Ridge High School, Moreno served as principal at East Ridge Elementary for three years and assistant principal for two. Before that, he taught for seven years at Spring Creek Elementary. Now in his 17th year with Hamilton County Schools, Moreno has seen generations of students grow, learn, and succeed.
A proud first-generation college graduate of the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, Moreno earned both his bachelor’s degree in early childhood and special education and his master’s in leadership. Currently, he is completing his doctorate at Trevecca Nazarene University.
Moreno’s connection to his students runs deep. In some cases, spanning from kindergarten through high school graduation. “This year is the last group that I actually taught myself,” he said. “My first year at East Ridge High, I actually graduated my first group of kindergarten kids I taught at Spring Creek. It’s funny how life works.”
Under his leadership, East Ridge High has focused on creating opportunities that connect students to real-world skills through the school’s career and technical education pathways. “We really are creating opportunities and giving some of our kids that might not see themselves in those professions a chance to see a career and just a way of life,” he said. Whether students are learning health science, automotive repair, or interior design, Moreno takes pride in seeing them thrive.
“One of the unique opportunities that we have in this community is just empowering our kids to kind of see in themselves what we see in them. That perseverance, that grit.”
“It’s really an interesting thing for them to see that their hands, they themselves, are able to do some of these things.”
Moreno’s leadership style centers on respect, compassion, and connection. “I treat everyone the way I want to be treated,” he said. “I try to go out of my way to ensure that not only my staff and faculty but every adult that walks into this building is seen and respected and knows that I will support them as best as I can, just like I want for our kids.”
Each morning, you’ll find him greeting students in the hallways, his favorite part of the day. “If it wasn’t for those kids, we wouldn’t be here. I think acknowledging them and saying good morning… it’s allowing them an opportunity to be seen as individuals.”
Beyond the school walls, Moreno stays closely connected to the community, from volunteering at events to cheering on students at games. “I love seeing our kids out there,” he said. “It matters when you show up.”
For Moreno, one event each year stands out: graduation. “There’s something about graduation,” he said. “For some of our kids, it’s the first opportunity they get to be celebrated in such grandeur. You have families there, grandmas, uncles, aunties, it’s a phenomenal time to celebrate these kids. For some of our parents and guardians, graduation is a reminder that their sacrifice was worth it as well because they know they’re setting up their kids for greater things.”
With heart and respect, Principal Juan Moreno continues to lead East Ridge High School with a focus on opportunity, community, and compassion. Thank you, Principal Moreno, for everything you do!
