Alan C. Pope High School is named in honor of Alan Clayton Pope, a remarkable individual who left a lasting impact on the East Cobb community. Born and raised in East Cobb before its rapid growth, Alan Pope attended the old Sprayberry High School (now Joseph T. Walker School) and pursued higher education at a small college in Alabama. Following his graduation, he returned to Cobb County to fulfill his passion for teaching and coaching.
Tragically, just four years into his teaching career, Alan Pope’s life was sadly cut short in an automobile accident. However, his legacy lives on, and his extraordinary qualities made him a deserving candidate for the school’s namesake. Coach Hal Cochran, who had the privilege of mentoring Alan Pope, praised him as a rare individual who approached every challenge with unwavering dedication.
Not only did Alan Pope excel on the basketball and baseball fields, earning All-State, All-Region, and All-County recognition, but he also excelled in the classroom as an honor student. His exceptional qualities made him a respected figure among teachers, principals, and students, leading to accolades such as the Atlanta Journal Cup recipient and Mr. Sprayberry.
As a coach, Alan Pope instilled a sense of fairness, compassion, and self-belief in his students both on the field and in the classroom. He emphasized the importance of each individual believing in themselves and striving to give their very best effort.
Alan Pope’s ultimate goal for his players and students extended beyond athletic achievements or academic success. He aimed to shape them into well-rounded individuals who embraced integrity, kindness, and personal growth. Perhaps this noble aspiration should continue to be the primary goal for every graduate of Pope High School, carrying forward the spirit and legacy of Alan Clayton Pope.
