LAS VEGAS (FOX5) — A Las Vegas principal is getting statewide recognition and a big surprise to go with it.
Cimarron-Memorial High School principal Colin McNaught has been named the 2026 Nevada State Principal of the Year by the National Association of Secondary School Principals. He’s also one of three finalists for National High School Principal of the Year.
Students, staff and representatives from the Las Vegas Grand Prix surprised him Friday with a campus celebration and tickets to this fall’s race.
“Not a lot of things sneak by me like this, so they did a pretty good job of keeping this a secret,” McNaught said.
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McNaught was also chosen as one of the Las Vegas Grand Prix’s “Extraordinary Locals.” The program recognizes people who are making a difference around the state.
Lori Kraft-Nelson, the senior vice president of community affairs for the Las Vegas Grand Prix, said McNaught’s student-first approach, experience with Teach for America, and long history with CCSD made him a perfect choice for the honor.
“There’s no one more deserving than the principal of Cimarron-Memorial ,” Kraft-Nelson said.
McNaught said he’s glad the community is getting to see more of the great things going on at his school.
“We have such amazing leaders and educators, and the more we can spotlight the amazing things going on, the better, ” McNaught said. “This is a wonderful place for kids.”
Friday’s surprise was part of National School Principals’ Day, which honors K through 12 principals across the country.
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