WESTWOOD, Mass. (WHDH) -- A principal at a local elementary school got a huge surprise on Thursday.

Dr. Allan Cameron from Deerfield Elementary School in Westwood was given the 2012 Milken Family Foundation National Educator Award.

They surprised him during a school assembly. Cameron had no idea.

“This award is…I’m honored to be joining such good company. I really don’t feel like I deserve this award. I have it because of all of the good work that you do…I’m only one piece of this much larger puzzle that works so well in Westwood,” said Cameron.

In addition to receiving the so-called “Oscar of teaching,” Cameron will receive $25,000.