Craven County Schools Celebrates Excellence at the 2026 Red Carpet Gala
![A photo of the new Teacher of the Year, Hailey Hardee Cuba, in a custom wrapped Toyota vehicle.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1779205685/cravenk12org/jkhy1gbhbxeuxlelm5h4/Hardee_TOY.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1779205685/cravenk12org/jkhy1gbhbxeuxlelm5h4/Hardee_TOY.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1779205685/cravenk12org/jkhy1gbhbxeuxlelm5h4/Hardee_TOY.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1779205685/cravenk12org/jkhy1gbhbxeuxlelm5h4/Hardee_TOY.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1779205685/cravenk12org/jkhy1gbhbxeuxlelm5h4/Hardee_TOY.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1779205685/cravenk12org/jkhy1gbhbxeuxlelm5h4/Hardee_TOY.jpg","width":2200}])
Craven County Schools recently rolled out the red carpet for an unforgettable evening honoring the outstanding educators, volunteers, and school leaders who make a difference across the district each and every day during the 2026 Red Carpet Gala.
The celebration brought together staff, community partners, families, and supporters to recognize excellence in education and celebrate the dedication, passion, and commitment of those who serve Craven County students.
Throughout the evening, several individuals were recognized for their exceptional contributions to schools and the district community.
This year’s Rookie Team members included:
- Williow Brookshire – J.T. Barber Elementary School
- 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 School
- Chiquita Kearney – West Craven High School
- Keysi Rodriguez – Arthur W. Edwards Elementary School
- Taylor Tilley – Roger Bell New Tech Academy
- David Williams – West Craven High School
The district also proudly recognized Christine Jonas of Grover C. Fields Middle School as the Linda Thomas Outstanding Volunteer of the Year for her dedication and service to students and schools.
Congratulations were also extended to Lea Davis of Havelock High School, who was named Assistant Principal of the Year for her leadership and commitment to student success.
The evening’s highest honor, Teacher of the Year, was awarded to Hailey Hardee Cuba of Roger Bell New Tech Academy in recognition of her exceptional impact in the classroom and dedication to education.
A special thank you was extended to Partners In Education and Toyota of New Bern for helping make the evening even more memorable through the generous donation of a brand-new 2026 Toyota Camry for the district’s Teacher of the Year.
Guests also enjoyed a true red-carpet experience as honorees arrived in style to celebrate the accomplishments of educators and school supporters throughout the district.
To view red carpet arrival photos from the evening, visit:
2026 Red Carpet Gala Photo Gallery
Craven County Schools extends sincere appreciation to everyone who helped plan, organize, sponsor, and support the gala, making it a truly special evening dedicated to celebrating excellence in education.
- All Schools