🎓✨ Congratulations to the Craven County Schools Class of 2026! ✨🎓

Graduation season is almost here, and we are excited to celebrate the accomplishments, hard work, and bright futures of our amazing graduates! We are incredibly proud of each member of the Class of 2026 and look forward to honoring this special milestone during our upcoming commencement ceremonies.

If you are unable to attend a ceremony in person, all graduations will be live-streamed on each school’s YouTube Channel:

🎥 Craven Early College YouTube Channel

🎥 Craven Virtual Academy YouTube Channel

🎥 Early College EAST YouTube Channel

🎥 Havelock High School YouTube Channel

🎥 New Bern High School YouTube Channel

🎥 West Craven High School YouTube Channel

We can’t wait to celebrate our graduates as they turn their tassels and begin the next chapter of their journey!

Congratulations to Kevin Manriquez, New Bern High Junior

Earns Associate Degree at Craven Community College

At just 17 years old, Kevin Manriquez is preparing to cross the stage at Craven Community College—earning his Associate in Science degree nearly a full year before he graduates high school.

A junior at New Bern High School, Kevin’s path to this moment hasn’t been typical. Growing up in a military family, he attended 11 different schools while his father served in the U.S. Army. Each move meant starting over, but Kevin turned those challenges into motivation.

Kevin began taking college classes earlier in his academic career before moving to Craven County, where he transferred his credits and continued his journey at Craven Community College. While local students typically begin college coursework during their junior year of high school, Kevin’s unique path gave him an early start.

“When I first started taking college classes, I didn’t think I belonged,” Kevin shares. “But I learned to adapt, connect with my classmates, and embrace the experience.”

Once at Craven, he found a welcoming community that helped him thrive. Faculty and staff made a lasting impression, giving him the confidence to continue pushing forward.

That drive has already opened unique doors. Recently, Kevin visited Raleigh, where he met with State Representative Steve Tyson and attended a reception at the Governor’s Mansion—an experience that included meeting Governor Josh Stein and connecting with state leaders.

Kevin’s story is about more than academic achievement, it’s about resilience, discipline, and vision. He plans to pursue a degree in mechanical engineering, with goals of earning his bachelor’s degree by 2029.

As graduation approaches on May 15, Kevin reflects on the journey and the support that made it possible.

“It takes discipline,” he says. “But if you stay focused and have people supporting you, you can do it.”

*(Article submitted by Craven Community College)

LIVE FROM THE 2026 RED CARPET GALA

Craven County Schools Announces 2026–2027 Teacher of the Year

Craven County Schools is proud to announce Hailey Hardee Cuba, a first-grade teacher at Roger Bell New Tech Academy, as the 2026–2027 Craven County Schools Teacher of the Year.

Being selected as Teacher of the Year is one of the highest honors bestowed upon an educator in Craven County Schools. This recognition celebrates outstanding teaching, leadership, and a deep commitment to student success.

This year’s finalists represented an exceptional group of educators from across the district. Their passion for teaching and learning was evident throughout a rigorous selection process that included portfolios, presentations,

and interviews.

The 2026–2027 finalists included:

 Joshua Boyd – 6th Grade Social Studies, Grover C. Fields Middle School

 Hailey Hardee Cuba – 1st Grade, Roger Bell New Tech Academy

 Jimmi Hobbs – Mathematics (Grades 9–13), Craven Early College High School

 Jessica Manning – 7th Grade Math, West Craven Middle School

 Rosemary Steinman – 7th Grade Math, Tucker Creek Middle School

Mrs. Cuba is a dedicated educator who holds a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington and is a proud graduate of Craven County Schools.

Her teaching philosophy centers on building meaningful relationships and creating a joyful, inclusive classroom environment where mistakes are embraced as part of the learning process and effort is consistently celebrated. She

is committed to educating the whole child, ensuring her students leave her classroom not only as stronger learners but also as confident individuals who feel supported and valued.

As the district’s Teacher of the Year and Teacher Ambassador, Mrs. Cuba will serve as an advisor to the Board of Education and represent Craven County Schools at community and civic events. She will also advance to compete

for the Southeast Regional Teacher of the Year title.

Mrs. Cuba was selected through a comprehensive evaluation process conducted by a committee that included the current Teacher of the Year, Principal of the Year, central office staff, and a community representative from

Craven Community College.

As part of this honor, Mrs. Cuba will receive the use of a new Toyota Camry for the year, generously provided by Toyota of New Bern in partnership with Craven County Partners In Education.

Craven County Schools extends its congratulations to Mrs. Cuba and to all finalists for their dedication to students and families. Their work continues to shape the future by transforming today’s learners into tomorrow’s leaders.

LIVE FROM THE 2026 RED CARPET

The 2026 Red Carpet Gala was truly a night to remember as Craven County Schools celebrated the outstanding educators, leaders, and supporters who make a difference in the lives of students each day.

Held during Teacher Appreciation Week, the annual gala recognized Teacher Ambassadors from across the district, honored exceptional beginning teachers through the 2025–2026 Rookie Team, and celebrated individuals whose dedication and service continue to strengthen Craven County Schools.

This year’s Rookie Team members included Willow Brookshire (J.T. Barber Elementary), Rhilynn Liu-Gorman (New Bern High School), Michelle Cousineau (West Craven Middle School), Aurora C. De Arcia (Bridgeton Elementary School), Tanna Gillis (Vanceboro Farm Life Elementary), Chiquita Kearney (West Craven High School), Keysi Rodriguez (Arthur W. Edwards Elementary), Taylor Tilley (Roger Bell New Tech Academy), and David Williams (West Craven High School). These educators were recognized for going above and beyond during their first year in the profession and for making a strong impact in their schools and classrooms.

The evening also included recognition of this year’s Linda Thomas Outstanding Volunteer of the Year, Christine Jonas of Graham A. Barden Elementary School, for her unwavering dedication and service to students and staff.

Havelock High School’s Lea Davis was named the 2026 Assistant Principal of the Year in recognition of her exceptional leadership, commitment to school culture, and dedication to supporting both students and staff.

The highlight of the evening was the announcement of the 2026 Craven County Schools Teacher of the Year. Hailey Hardee Cuba, a first-grade teacher at Roger Bell New Tech Academy, received the prestigious honor and will now serve as the district’s Teacher Ambassador for the upcoming year.

A special thank you goes to Partners In Education and Toyota of New Bern for their continued support of public education and for generously providing a brand-new 2026 Toyota Camry for the Teacher of the Year to drive throughout the year.

The district also extends sincere appreciation to everyone who helped organize, support, and celebrate this memorable event. From the decorations and planning to the cheers along the red carpet, the evening was a true reflection of the appreciation Craven County Schools has for its educators and school community.

To view the Red Carpet arrivals and relive the excitement of the evening, visit:

2026 Red Carpet Gala Arrivals

Blue Angels Key Influencer, Holly Tolston

Craven County Schools Director of Career and Technical Education Holly Tolston recently had a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity after being selected as a Blue Angels Key Influencer ahead of the MCAS Cherry Point Air Show.

On Wednesday, May 6, Mrs. Tolston took flight in an F/A-18 with one of the U.S. Navy Blue Angels pilots, experiencing approximately 40 minutes in the air above Eastern North Carolina. During the flight, she witnessed firsthand the speed, precision, and skill the Blue Angels are known for, including high-speed maneuvers, sharp turns, and breathtaking views of the region from above.

The day began with an early-morning briefing led by the Blue Angels crew chief, alongside WCTI12 reporter Mary Grace Armistead. During the session, participants learned about flight procedures, practiced breathing and bracing techniques, and prepared for the intense G-forces associated with flying in one of the Navy’s most advanced fighter jets.

Family members, friends, CCS colleagues, and members of the media gathered along the flight line to cheer Mrs. Tolston on as she embarked on this incredible experience.

Mrs. Tolston shared that she was extremely grateful for the opportunity and hopes to use the experience as inspiration for both educators and students. Reflecting on the day, she encouraged others to embrace opportunities outside of their comfort zones, saying, “If you are given the chance to do something outside of your comfort zone, take advantage of it!”

Mrs. Tolston’s selection as a Blue Angels Key Influencer is especially fitting given her commitment to leadership, innovation, and student success throughout her career in Career and Technical Education. As the Southeast Regional CTE Director of the Year, she continues to work tirelessly to expand opportunities for students, support CTE educators, and strengthen partnerships between Craven County Schools and the local community.

Craven County Schools extends sincere appreciation to MCAS Cherry Point for its outstanding hospitality, to Commanding Officer Colonel Timothy R. Drieslein for his support, to Rhonda P. Murray, Director of the Community Plans & Liaison Office, for coordinating this incredible opportunity, and to the entire Blue Angels crew for their professionalism, knowledge, and expertise throughout the day.



Congratulations again to Mrs. Tolston on this well-deserved honor and unforgettable experience!

SLIME CHALLENGE WINNERS


Students and staff at WJ Gurganus Elementary recently celebrated in a BIG way after the school earned first place in the DARE Slime Challenge fundraiser among all elementary schools in the district.

By raising an impressive $1,125.06, WJG students earned the opportunity to host a schoolwide “Slime Fest,” turning an important fundraising effort into a fun-filled and memorable celebration for the entire school community.

Selected students had the chance to slime several familiar faces, including Sheriff Hughes, Principal Merkel, Dr. Boutwell (who stepped in for Superintendent Cheeseman), Mrs. Billington, and the school’s School Resource Officer, Deputy Ace.

The bright blue slime was chunky, cold, and plentiful—leaving participants covered from head to toe and drawing plenty of laughter and cheers from the crowd.

The event created an exciting atmosphere across campus as students celebrated their school’s accomplishment and enjoyed watching staff members willingly take part in the messy fun. By the end of the event, the slimed adults jokingly resembled Smurfs, adding even more excitement to the day.

Most importantly, the Slime Fest highlighted the strong school spirit and community support at WJ Gurganus Elementary. The fundraiser’s success was made possible through the generosity and participation of students, families, staff, and supporters who helped the school achieve its first-place finish.

Thank you to everyone who contributed to making this unforgettable celebration possible. It was truly a day filled with laughter, teamwork, and school pride!

During Teacher Appreciation Week, we are incredibly grateful to our Board of Education for treating all staff across the district to a delicious lunch prepared by our amazing School Nutrition team!

Thank you for recognizing the hard work, dedication, and heart our teachers and staff pour into our students every single day. We also want to give a special shoutout to our School Nutrition staff for preparing and serving these wonderful meals with care and excellence.

We appreciate everyone who helped make Teacher Appreciation Week so special for our CCS family!