Motivational Speaker Tony Hoffman Inspires Craven County 8th Graders with Powerful Message on Choices and Addiction Awareness

On Friday, March 7, 2025, nationally recognized motivational speaker Tony Hoffman returned to Craven County Schools to speak to 8th-grade students about the importance of making great choices, using positive affirmations, and finding trusted individuals to talk to when in need.

The event, sponsored by REALIZE U 252, a long-term addiction recovery residence in Craven County, was held at the Grover C. Fields Middle School Auditorium at 9:30 AM. The assembly focused on educating students about the dangers of opioid use and addiction, equipping them with knowledge to make informed, positive decisions.

Tony Hoffman: A Nationally Renowned Speaker

Hoffman is one of the most in-demand speakers on addiction and recovery, delivering his powerful message to more than 200 audiences per year across the country. A former BMX Elite Pro, Hoffman has turned his personal struggles with addiction into a message of hope, resilience, and recovery, inspiring thousands.

His viral Goalcast video, viewed by over 10 million people, and his TEDx talk have cemented his influence in the fight against substance abuse. In addition to speaking, he is the Founder and Director of The Freewheel Project, a nonprofit mentoring youth through action sports.

Empowering Students to Make Positive Choices

During his presentation, Hoffman encouraged students to:

• Make great choices that shape their future.
• Use positive affirmations to build confidence and resilience.
• Find a trusted person to talk to in difficult times.

By sharing his personal journey of overcoming addiction, Hoffman provided students with a real-world perspective on the dangers of substance abuse and the importance of mental health and support systems.

A Community-Wide Effort

This exclusive event was attended by 8th-grade students from across the district, along with faculty, county officials, and school administrators, all committed to supporting youth in making informed, healthy decisions.

The event reaffirms Craven County Schools dedication to educating and empowering students, not just academically but also in life choices that shape their futures.

Grover C. Fields Middle School Students Compete in March Mammal Madness

March isn’t just for basketball at Grover C. Fields Middle School. Students are diving into the wild world of March Mammal Madness (MMM), an exciting science-based competition inspired by the NCAA tournament format.

MMM, created by Arizona State University’s science department in 2013, is an annual event in which students research, predict, and track animal face-offs based on real-world ecological and biological factors. The competition engages students by teaching them about evolution, adaptation, and animal behavior while connecting them to a broader scientific community.

Students submit their MMM brackets via Google Forms, making their best predictions on which organisms will win in each battle. The results are meticulously tracked using a digital scoring system, and students watch as their chosen animals progress or get eliminated. Adding to the fun, students create research-based displays showcasing their chosen competitors on uniquely designed cereal boxes, making scientific learning both creative and interactive.

Beyond the competition, Grover C. Fields students have made a name for themselves in the MMM community. Last year, GCF student artwork was featured in battle recap videos viewed around the world. This recognition highlights their enthusiasm and the depth of research and effort put into their work. To celebrate their hard work, students receive trophies and prizes throughout the tournament, with top performers being honored at the end.

For educators, MMM is more than just a competition; it’s an immersive learning experience. "March Mammal Madness is a big passion project for me because it's such a fun way to teach about organisms and get the students involved with the scientific community," said Rachel Price, an 8th-grade science educator at GCF.

Through this engaging, hands-on approach, Grover C. Fields Middle School students aren’t just learning about science; they’re becoming part of it.

For more information about March Mammal Madness visit: MMM Website

HISTORIC FIRST: New Bern High School Hosts Craven County's First-Ever Men’s Home Volleyball Game

New Bern High School made history yesterday, hosting the first-ever Men’s Home Volleyball Game in Craven County Schools history! In this groundbreaking event, the Bears took on Grammercy Christian School at 5:00 PM.

The inaugural team, consisting of 21 student-athletes from 9th to 12th grade, has been training under the leadership of Coach Adam Miller, who expressed his enthusiasm for the team's progress, "Please wish our young men the best of luck, as they have learned a lot about competitive volleyball in the last month."

Join us this season to witness history in the making and support these trailblazing athletes! GO BEARS!

GET TO KNOW Johnny- A Student at HHS, and Mr. Daly on Episode 22 of THE REEL. They talk all things WOODWORKING during CTE Month.

Governor's Page Program Accepting Applications

North Carolina high school students interested in learning about public and community service are encouraged to apply for the week-long Governor’s Page Program.

Established in 1973, the program works to inspire a new generation of leaders by giving students the opportunity to come to Raleigh for hands-on participation in their state government.

Learn more about the program and find the application here.

Seeds of Art Poetry Contest

 Seeds of Art proudly announces its first annual Poetry Contest available to all middle and high school students in Craven County to be judged by Sheila Turnage, Newbery Honor Author and poet. The top poems from each school will be published in the first Seeds of Art Poetry Anthology. Overall winner will receive $100, and winners in Middle School and High School divisions will each win $50. Deadline is March 31, 2025. Winners will be announced on April 15, 2025.

For more information, check out https://thenextchapternc.com/seeds-of-art-poetry-contest/