CHALMETTE, La. — Wayne Warner has been a beloved fixture at Chalmette High School for 58 years, the last half century as principal.
On Sunday, June 23, shortly after 8 p.m., he was driving down Palmetto Street when he came across a man in a wheelchair. Warner says the man was turning over trash cans and taking mail from people’s mailboxes.
Warner got out of his car and asked the man if he needed some help.
“When I said can I help you he got very angry and he hit me, he punched me in the chest which made me go backwards and I, unfortunately, broke my hip and my elbow,” Warner said.
A short time later, sheriff’s deputies arrested Christopher Kidd, 33.
He was booked with second degree robbery, simple battery of the infirm, and other charges.
Warner’s injuries required five surgeries.
He also spent 4 weeks in the hospital and is now going to rehab two or three times a week.
Warner said being back at Chalmette High, even on a part time basis is good therapy.
“I enjoy watching television, but I can only watch so much television,” Warner said. “I have to talk to people and be with people.”
Longtime friend and Chalmette High Cultural Arts Director Charles Cassar said Warner defines the term servant leadership.
“It’s who he’s been,” Cassar said. “It’s who he is. He is Chalmette High School.”
In true Wayne Warner fashion, he asked that this whole story not be all about him. He didn’t want to pass up an opportunity to brag about Chalmette High and the many dedicated teachers, staff, and students here.
“We had a graduation class of about 500 last year and out of that class, we had $15 million worth of scholarships,” Warner said. “Nobody ever hears about that. We want kind, caring, good, civic-minded graduates and I think we’re developing that here.”
At 80-years-old, Warner admits he has some decisions to make about his future at Chalmette High.
But for now, he’s back where he belongs shaping young lives one student at a time.
The Warner Way: The 50 Year Legacy of Principal Wayne Warner, an emotionally compelling story of America’s oldest and longest serving high school principal will air Sunday, September 29, 2024. at 7 p.m., with an encore presentation at 9 p.m.
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