Special to the Daily News

Dale Cole, principal of Chocowinity Middle School, got the news he had been named Region 1’s Principal of the Year during a Beaufort County Schools leadership team meeting Monday morning.
This followed Cole’s selection as Beaufort County Schools’ principal of the year in the fall of 2012. Cole’s wife, children and other family members were on hand for the surprise announcement.
“It is a huge honor to be chosen to represent Region 1 as the Principal of the Year,” Cole said. “I was shocked to be chosen, but I was even more shocked that my entire family was able to keep that secret over the whole weekend and surprise me. I come from a family of talkers, so that was a significant achievement for them.”
Cole shifted to all business when speaking of the importance of the award.
“In all seriousness, this award is a testament to the great people I have worked with since entering education almost 17 years ago, including teachers, administrators, coaches, parents and students. Collectively, they have taught me so many things that are critical for a school’s success. I could never thank all of them enough, but I hope to honor their efforts by continuing to learn and improve my effectiveness as a principal in Beaufort County for years to come.”
Sonya Rinehart, the northeast regional education facilitator for the N.C. Department of Public Instruction and Pam Mills, the regional teacher of the year from Dare County, were on hand Monday morning to surprise Cole with the news.
“It has been a pleasure to see Dale Cole grow as an educator since going into administration in 2006,” said John Conway, assistant superintendent of Beaufort County Schools. “We are thrilled by today’s news that he is the regional principal of the year. His enthusiasm is only matched by this work ethic. Dale constantly strives to make his school better for both students and staff. Dale is a wonderful representative of Beaufort County Schools and could easily be the state’s Principal of the Year.”
Cole, who has been in education since 1996, joined Beaufort County Schools in 2000 as an English teacher at Southside High School. The Beaufort County native made the transition to administration in 2006 as an assistant principal at Washington High School. He moved to a chief administrator role by taking the helm at P.S. Jones Middle School in 2009. In 2011, Cole moved to his current post as principal at Chocowinity Middle School.
Elise Staats, who teaches at Chocowinity Middle School, was named Region 1 teacher of the year last year.
Cole will begin state competition next month.