WEAVERVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Pulling off a surprise for a school principal isn’t easy, but students and staff at North Buncombe Middle School managed to do just that Monday afternoon.

Principal Nicholas Honeycutt was named Buncombe County Schools’ Principal of the Year during a surprise ceremony in the school auditorium.

Superintendent Rob Jackson made the announcement to hundreds of cheering students and staff, who were joined by the district’s “Surprise Squad” and Honeycutt’s family.

“You are the first to know, even before we tell him, that your principal, Mr. Honeycutt, is the Buncombe County Schools Principal of the Year,” Jackson told the crowd just before Honeycutt entered to applause and music performed by the school band.

Assistant Principal Suzette Takei helped set up the event by sending Honeycutt to a last-minute meeting at nearby Weaverville Elementary, giving students and staff time to gather.

“When you became principal here at North Buncombe Middle School, you pledged to me that you would give it everything you had each and every day,” Jackson said. “You have done that, and more, and we are so proud of you.”

A visibly surprised Honeycutt thanked his students, staff, and community for the recognition.

“I love this job, and I love seeing each of you every day,” he said. “The reason I got this award is because of all of you.”

The celebration ended with the presentation of a $2,000 award for the school from the Buncombe County Schools Foundation and First Citizens Bank.

Principals across the district vote on the annual award. Honeycutt was recognized for his enthusiasm, positivity and support for colleagues. He will now represent Buncombe County Schools in the regional Principal of the Year competition.

Honeycutt has led North Buncombe Middle since 2023. He previously served as principal of Weaverville Primary and as assistant principal at A.C. Reynolds High School.