Celebrating Excellence: 2026 All Academic Team

On Thursday, April 9th, the Board of Education proudly honored 183 outstanding seniors from all six of our high schools at the 2026 All Academic Team celebration. These remarkable students have demonstrated unwavering commitment to their education, each maintaining an impressive 4.0 or higher GPA throughout their high school journey.

It was truly a special evening filled with pride and inspiration as we recognized these high achievers, surrounded by the families and supporters who have encouraged them every step of the way.

The night was made even more memorable with a fantastic performance by the Havelock High School Band and inspiring words from special guest speaker Mr. Will Nobles, a proud West Craven High graduate. He shared how growing up in eastern North Carolina helped shape his path, reminding our students that success is built on perseverance, dedication, and strong character.

Congratulations to our 2026 All Academic Team. We are so proud of you and can’t wait to see all that you accomplish!

Craven County Schools Nominee Named for NCCAT 2027 Burroughs Wellcome Fund NC Career & Technical Education (CTE) Teacher of the Year

New Bern, NC — Craven County Schools is proud to announce that Hope Mauney, a Career & Technical Education teacher at West Craven Middle School, has been named a nominee for the NCCAT 2027 Burroughs Wellcome Fund NC Career & Technical Education (CTE) Teacher of the Year Award.

This nomination places Mrs. Mauney among an outstanding group of educators from across North Carolina, each recognized for their innovation, passion, and impact on student success.

CTE Director, Holly Tolston, shares, “Hope Mauney exemplifies the very best of Career & Technical Education in Craven County Schools. Her innovative approach to teaching and her commitment to preparing students with real-world skills truly set her apart. This nomination is a reflection of the meaningful impact she makes in the classroom every day, inspiring students to explore their passions and build pathways for future success.”

The North Carolina Center for the Advancement of Teaching (NCCAT), in partnership with the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI) and the North Carolina Association for Career and Technical Education (NCACTE), developed the CTE Teacher of the Year award to honor remarkable CTE educators and emphasize the importance of CTE instruction in North Carolina schools.

From the statewide district and charter school nominees, 24 educators, three from each of North Carolina's eight regions, will be selected as regional finalists through a rigorous portfolio review process. The 24 finalists will attend a week of leadership-focused professional development and attend a recognition event to honor them and announce the NCCAT 2027 Burroughs Wellcome Fund NC Career and Technical Education Teacher of the Year.

“We are incredibly proud of Mrs. Mauney for this well-deserved recognition. Her dedication to student achievement and her passion for Career & Technical Education embody the excellence we strive for across Craven County Schools. Honors like this reinforce why Craven County Schools is THE CHOICE—where innovative teaching, strong leadership, and a commitment to student success come together to create exceptional opportunities for every learner,” states Dr. Matthew Cheeseman, Superintendent.

Collaboration at Its Finest!

This month's Principals Meeting, led by Dr. Matthew Cheeseman, brought district leaders and principals together in a dynamic and engaging way.

Department leaders hosted a “learn-n-go” floating information session, giving principals the opportunity to connect, ask questions, and explore how each department can support their schools between now and the end of the year. Conversations also focused on planning ahead for a strong start to the upcoming school year.

This first-of-its-kind session was a great success and just the beginning! We look forward to building on this collaborative approach in the future.

Middle School Math Challenge

The eighth-grade Math 1 students from the five middle schools participated in a Math 1 competition sponsored by the CCS AIG Program. The event was held at Grover C Fields and featured different teams and rounds throughout the day.

Congratulations to Grover C. Fields for taking 1st place. We also celebrate the individual task winners.

Thank you to all who participated and to the staff who made this challenge possible. Your contributions success!

PLEASE SHARE WITH YOUR FAMILIES

 Innovation in Action at Trent Park Elementary

Our 5th graders at Trent Park Elementary School wowed us during their Invention Convention, showcasing creative ideas and real-world solutions to everyday challenges!

Students presented their inventions to a panel of judges, who evaluated each project based on creativity, sturdiness, and effectiveness in solving a current problem. The level of thought, effort, and innovation on display was truly impressive.

Congratulations to Alex Wooten for taking 1st place for his Fire Sensor Invention. We are so proud of all of our students! There are definitely some young entrepreneurs in the making.

Watch out, Shark Tank…these future innovators are coming for you! 

The Craven County Home Builders Association and Craven County Career and Technical Education are partnering together to host the C.H.A.M.P. Camp July 6-9, 2026, at New Bern High School. 

Calling all rising 6-8 graders! This is an exciting hands-on construction career exploration camp. Campers will learn foundational skills in Carpentry, HVAC, Architectural Design, Masonry, and Plumbing.

Secure your spot for an exciting camp experience. Space is limited-don't miss out!

To register, visit: C.H.A.M.P. Camp Registration