Cape Elizabeth Middle School Principal Nancy Hutton was surprised last Wednesday night when a new scholarship in her honor was announced at the conclusion of eighth-grade recognition night.

Hutton, who is retiring after this year, said she had no idea and was very surprised. The news of the scholarship and a request for donations were spread among teachers and parents during a week when Hutton was away.

The Nancy Hutton Book Lover Scholarship will be given to a deserving senior every year who has displayed an avid interest in reading and learning, said Middle School Parents Association Co-President Catie Fairbanks-Cliffe.

“Literacy is very important to me and the way they set this up is tremendous,” Hutton said.

Hutton was presented with a book, “The Lobster Coast,” with an inscription thanking her for her 25 years as an educator in Cape Elizabeth.

This year the Nancy Hutton Book Lover Scholarship of $250 was awarded to senior Elisabeth Michaud. The scholarship will continue for the next four years, until the current graduating eighth-graders will be graduating seniors.

Fairbanks-Cliffe said the teachers and parents have been very generous and money is still coming in, which will allow the amount awarded to increase for the next four years.

Hutton said she couldn’t have thought of a better way to end her time in Cape Elizabeth.