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.