For once Dwight Wagner attended an event and wasn’t asked to sing.

It was his Dowling School students who brought the musical entertainment in honor of their hero, Wagner.

The school principal, known far and wide for his vocal talents, his compassion towards students and staff and love of Port Arthur was named The Port Arthur News Citizen of the Year on Friday.

When he arrived at Dowling Elementary after receiving the honor he was greeted by about 300 students and his complete staff outside the school.

“Two bits, four its, six bits, a dollar, all for Mr. Wagner, stand up and holler,” the students cheered when the principal arrived on scene.

Fourth grader Emily Sterling is proud of her principal.

“He loves his kids. He’s always there for us,” she said.

Kiara Baker, fifth grader, echoed Sterling’s words.

“He’s sweet and kind,” she said. “And when I hurt my foot he picked me up and brought me in. He’s always there for us and he loves the whole school.”

Manny Estupinan, another fifth grader at the school, calls Wagner a nice person and said he is very glad for the principal.

“He’s not like other principals, he’s nice,” he said.

The News staff had the daunting task of whittling down more than 30 nominees to 11 finalists and finally down to one person, Wagner.

The winner was kept secret until a special moment at the banquet which was held at The Holiday Inn Park Central.

In the meantime, staff at Dowling were preparing a party in Wagner’s honor and was unaware he was the winner until someone made a fast phone call.

School nurse Kay Walker heard the news and began screaming, she said.

“Then we announced it to the students,” she said. “You could hear them screaming in their rooms.”

Walker said that Wagner is a special kind of person and that when he receives a compliment he turns it around and compliments the other person.

School secretary Toni Tomplait and third grade teacher Darlene Brown chatted about their boss.

“He gives to others without expectation. He is genuine and very deserving,” Tomplait said.

Wagner was treated to a tray of cookies when he arrived back at the school.

“One of his favorite things is cookies. We thought this was the best way to great him,” Tomplait said.

As Wagner rounded the parking lot, his car window rolled down and a wide smile spread across his face, he honked his horn several times as students and teachers stood and cheered.

When the students quieted down, Wagner looked at his watch and asked the students if they wanted recess outside to which he received another round of cheers. The principal divided the classes up for 15 minute increments of outside play.

When Wagner was asked how he felt about his reception at the school, he answered just as Walker had predicted.

“With a staff like this, it doesn’t surprise me,” he said. “I’m blessed. God is good to me.”