Garner, N.C. — First it was "American Idol" winner Scotty McCreery, then Arlie Honeycutt took the crown at the Miss North Carolina Pageant, but the two young stars aren't the only good things coming from Garner these days.

In the past year, Garner Magnet High School became one of three schools in Wake County to receive national recognition for academic achievement, its football team made it to the state championship game and its principal, Drew Cook, was named Regional Principal of the Year.

Mayor Ronnie Williams said Garner is a town that prides itself on fine arts, good parenting, good schools and good churches.

"I'm proud as a peacock," Williams said. "Scotty is from Garner, so is Arlie, and sometimes we say Raleigh is a suburb of Garner."

Honeycutt said she, too, is proud of her hometown.

"I'm very proud of where I came from and there are a lot of really talented people there," she said.

Williams said there might be something in the water, something that makes talent thrive in Garner.

"We've had a terrific past year and things continue to happen that are good for Garner," he said. "It may be the water."

Beth Honeycutt, Arlie Honeycutt's mother, said she isn't sure what makes the town so special, but she isn't dismissing Williams' theory.

"I don't know (if it's the water), but I'm going to keep drinking it," she joked.