Once school gets out, it starts. Students rush to their cars to try to get out first, and parents block up spaces, annoying others. People hurry and speed off, ignoring everyone else, yet somehow avoiding accidents. Some people think they’ll get off the hook with this villainous mindset, however they never know who’s always watching. Sitting in class thinking nobody witnessed their actions the day prior, when suddenly, a few seconds later, they’re sitting in the AP office.

The younger students  know him as the “golf cart guy,” or the one that always wishes good mornings as students walk by the side gate. The older students affectionately call him Gally. His name is Alan Gallagher. Gallagher makes sure that the students and staff are safe when arriving and departing the school, watches for students skipping and makes sure only students with parking permits are parking in the school parking lot.

“[When I catch people skipping] I notify the students AP and from there I’m not sure what happens,” Gallagher said. “[I can also stop people for] speeding through the parking lot [since] the speed limit is 10 mph on campus.”

Gallagher was the School Resource Office for 2.5 years and retired in a year. He took over the Parking Lot attendant job because he had ties to the school. Gallagher ensures safety over all people with his background in law enforcement. 

“I was a Deputy Sheriff for the Williamson County Sheriff’s Department for 14 years and then I was a Police Officer for the City of Cedar Park for 14 years,” Gallagher said. “Out of the 28 years in Law Enforcement, I was a Motorcycle Officer for 14 years.”

Gallagher attended and graduated from Leander High School in 1983. His family moved to the Austin area in 1976, where he has lived here ever since with his high school sweetheart. Compared to the other jobs he has worked for, he said CPHS stands out. 

“I enjoy being at CPHS and want to be a part of all the traditions that are here,” Gallagher said. “[The best part of my job is] interacting with the students and staff.”

Every year, the senior class comes with their class mottos, as well as a picture. These then get hung up in the library hanging on the middle wall. Students are advised to choose wisely, however, the Class of 2023, decided to honor someone they all loved. 

“[My best memories have been] mentoring the students,” Gallagher said. [Another memory was] seeing the senior class motto from the class of 2023 [be], ‘Run from Gally.’”

Gallagher plans to stay the Parking Lot Attendant until he is able to retire for a second time. He enjoys the amount of student interaction he receives from students and staff, which allows him to enjoy his job, as well as being in the sun all day, but the only downside is working in all weather conditions.

“[The most rewarding part is] seeing students who have graduated and then telling me, ‘Thank you for being here’,” Gallagher said. “Also seeing the smiles on students’ faces when I tell them good morning or have a nice day.”