North Buncombe Middle’s Nicholas Honeycutt Surprised as Principal of the Year
School principals keep close tabs on the many activities happening on campus throughout the day. That makes it challenging to pull off a surprise, but not impossible. A special event this afternoon at North Buncombe Middle School required all students to move into the auditorium without the knowledge of principal Nicholas Honeycutt.
“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,” BCS Superintendent Dr. Rob Jackson shared with the students, waiting to cheer their principal when he entered the auditorium. Thanks to help from assistant principal Dr. Suzette Takei, Mr. Honeycutt was scheduled to attend a short last-minute meeting down the road at Weaverville Elementary. That provided about 15 minutes for the North Buncombe students and teachers, along with Dr. Jackson and the rest of the BCS Surprise Squad, to get in place.
When Mr. Honeycutt returned, Dr. Takei asked him to follow her into the auditorium, which erupted into cheers and applause as he walked in to celebratory music provided by school band director James Bannish and his students.
“Mr. Honeycutt, 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,” Dr. Jackson shared as Mr. Honeycutt walked onto the stage. “You have done that, and more, and we are so proud of you.”
Mr. Honeycutt was genuinely surprised, especially after spotting his parents, son, sister, brother-in-law, and nephew, who joined school leaders on stage for the celebration.
“I love this job, and I love seeing each of you every day,” Mr. Honeycutt said, addressing his students and staff. “I love this school, all our families, and the community. The reason I got this award is because of all of you.”
The celebration concluded with the presentation of a $2,000 award for the school from Christy Cheek of the Buncombe County Schools Foundation, on behalf of the foundation and First Citizens Bank.
Principals from each of the system's schools voted. Those who nominated Mr. Honeycutt spoke of his daily enthusiasm for being with his students, his ability to stay positive in the wake of challenges, and his willingness to help his BCS teammates. He will now represent BCS in the regional Principal of the Year competition. Congratulations!
