The principal at one of Washington, DC’s largest high schools came out as gay during Pride Day events on Wednesday. Pete Cahall said he was inspired by his students to come out of the shadows and announce that his sexual orientation.

“I want to say publicly for the first time, because of your leadership, care and support, that I am a proud gay man who just happens to be the principal of Wilson High School,” Cahall told the students, reports the Washington Post. Students in the packed atrium cheered and applauded.

Cahall, 50, was named the principal of Wilson High School six years ago, but never said he was gay in public before. According to NBC Washington, he only told Mayor Vincent Gray moments before his speech. Gray, along with gay City Council member David A. Catania, stood by Cahall’s side during his speech.

This marked the second year that the school has held its own Pride Day. This year, they drew notice from the Westboro Baptist Church, which planned to protest the event. Around 1,000 students then decided to take part in a silent counter-protest.

Cahall said that he was inspired by his students and athletes like Michael Sam and Jason Collins, who have also announced that they are gay. It felt “like a ton of bricks lifted” after he came out, Cahall said during the speech.

image via Twitter from DC Councilmember David Catania