🎶 Celebrating Excellence in the Arts! 🎶
Last night, we proudly recognized several outstanding high school students who earned the prestigious North Carolina Honors Chorus designation! 🌟 These talented singers represent the very best of CCPS, and we were thrilled to present certificates to those able to attend.
👏 Congratulations to:
🎤 Kooper Coleman, Senior – East Carteret High School
🎤 Charlie Morris, Senior – East Carteret High School
🎤 Isaac Moss, Senior – East Carteret High School
🎤 Thomas Murray, Senior – West Carteret High School
A special shout-out to their incredible choral directors—Joella Morris and Jeffrey Danielson—for guiding and inspiring these musicians. 🎼✨
🎶 Also earning Honors Chorus but not present due to their concert tonight:
🌟 Eryn Mackey, Senior – Croatan High School
🌟 Jasper Kelley, Junior – Croatan High School
🌟 Ryan Shusko, Junior – Croatan High School
🌟 Adalyn Taylor, Sophomore – Croatan High School
With thanks to their director, Ashton Humphrey! 🎵
We are so proud of these students for their dedication, talent, and hard work. 🎉 Keep shining, CCPS musicians! 💙💛
✨ Additional Recognition
Superintendent Richie Paylor also presented our Board Members with the Gold Bell Award, signifying that 100% of the Board completed 12+ hours of professional training between July 1, 2024, and June 30, 2025. A commendable commitment to leadership and service! 👏📘
Our teachers, principals, and support staff are proudly wearing their “I 💙 Carteret Public Schools” shirts to kick off American Education Week!
Carteret County Public Schools is ranked 3rd in the state overall academically; we are the largest employer in the county, and we help ALL students discover future opportunities.
We’ll be celebrating all week long with photos and videos highlighting why we love Carteret Public Schools.
Stay tuned for:
🎥 Video 1: CCPS is a great place to learn and grow.
🎥 Video 2: CCPS is a great place to work.
🎥 Video 3: CCPS is a great place to discover your future.
Thank you to our incredible CCPS team for the impact you make every day!
Established in 1921, this special week celebrates the power of Public Schools and the life-changing impact they have on every community.
Throughout the week, we’ll be highlighting students, teachers, and staff across Carteret County Public Schools—showcasing why CCPS is a great place to go to school, a great place to work, and a great place for every student to discover their future. 💙
👕 To kick off the week, we invite everyone to wear their “I 💙 Carteret Public Schools” t-shirt on Monday, November 17th!
This shirt was designed by our partnering nonprofit, the Carteret Education Foundation, and was shared during our recent employee support campaign. Thank you, CEF, for contributing to innovation, investment, and support of our schools since 2010!
Let’s celebrate the incredible people who make CCPS strong—Engaging, Educating and Empowering every learner from Cedar Island to Cedar Point. 💙✨
Carteret County Public Schools is committed to making sure every student has access to healthy meals each day.
🍎 Families at Beaufort County Middle (BCMS), Croatan High (CHS), and White Oak Elementary (WOES) are encouraged to complete a free or reduced-price meal application if your financial situation has changed recently.
📝 Apply here: https://linqconnect.com/public/meal-application/new
🥪 Students at all other schools — AES, BES, BMS, BSES, BAS, CPC, DEMS/SES, ECHS, HIES, MCES, MCMS, MCPS, NES, NMS, and WCHS — will continue to receive free breakfast and lunch.
If your family could use additional food support, local resources are available here:
👉 https://bit.ly/carteretfood
Together, we’re making sure every Carteret County student is supported and ready to learn. 💙
Here’s what Ms. Hughes had to say about leading at CPC:
“I love working for my school because it’s such a happy little preschool supported by an incredible team of teachers, assistants, therapists, and support staff who work daily miracles, and by the most caring, encouraging families anyone could hope for.” – Kimberly Hughes, Principal
We’d love to hear from you! 💬 Comment below and tell us what you admire about Ms. Hughes as CPC Principal and Director of Early Childhood Education! 🙌
#NationalPrincipalsMonth #CCPSProud #LeadershipMatters
Here’s what Ms. Ellington had to say about leading at MCPS:
“I enjoy leading at the Sandcastle because it gives me the opportunity to prioritize students' needs and guide staff in doing the same.” – Mary Ellington, Principal
We’d love to hear from you! 💬 Comment below and tell us what you admire about Ms. Ellington as a principal! 🙌
#NationalPrincipalsMonth #CCPSProud #LeadershipMatters
Here’s what Mr. Olander had to say about leading at Bridges School:
“Every day I get to lead a community of dedicated educators who inspire students to reach their fullest potential.” – Adam Olander, Principal
We’d love to hear from you! 💬 Comment below and tell us what you admire about Mr. Olander as your principal! 🙌
#NationalPrincipalsMonth #CCPSProud #LeadershipMatters
Here’s what Mr. Holt had to say about leading at WCHS:
“West is the Best! Great students and families, and committed staff and community make this schoolhouse experience a strong family culture.” – Justin Holt, Principal
We’d love to hear from you! 💬 Comment below and tell us what you admire about Mr. Holt as a principal! 🙌
#NationalPrincipalsMonth #CCPSProud #LeadershipMatters
Here’s what Mr. Davis had to say about leading at CHS:
“I love working at Croatan because this school represents something truly special. I’ve taught here, served as an assistant principal, and now have the privilege of leading as principal, which shows how much I believe in our mission and the Croatan Way. I’m fortunate to work alongside an incredible staff who care deeply about students, make learning meaningful, and hold them to high standards. Their dedication is a big reason why we’re one of the top schools in the state. I love the pride our students show in our traditions and the opportunities they have to excel in academics, athletics, and the arts. Every day, I’m grateful to help students discover their strengths and find their path in life.” – Chris Davis, Principal
We’d love to hear from you! 💬 Comment below and tell us what you admire about Mr. Davis as a principal! 🙌
#NationalPrincipalsMonth #CCPSProud #LeadershipMatters
Here’s what Ms. Clemmons had to say about leading at BES:
“A deep sense of fulfillment comes directly from the commitment I see all around me. Our staff is dedicated, creating engaging and nurturing environments. Our students approach learning with curiosity and resilience. And our parents are vital partners in their children’s education. This collective commitment to ensuring learning is both positive and truly occurring is the heartbeat of BES. It’s what makes our community so unique, and it’s why I’m incredibly proud to serve as the Principal of BES.”
We’d love to hear from you! 💬 Comment below and tell us what you admire about Ms. Clemmons as your principal! 🙌
#NationalPrincipalsMonth #CCPSProud #LeadershipMatters
Here’s what Ms. McLean had to say about leading at BMS:
“I love working at Beaufort Middle School because I’m surrounded by dedicated educators, kindhearted students, and a supportive community that believes in the power of learning and growth. The spirit of Beaufort Middle makes me proud to be a Charger and grateful to serve this incredible community.”
We’d love to hear from you! 💬 Comment below and tell us what you admire about Ms. McLean as your principal! 🙌
#NationalPrincipalsMonth #CCPSProud #LeadershipMatters
Here’s what Dr. Howard had to say about leading at WOES:
“I love working for my school because White Oak Elementary is a special place to be, filled with supportive parents and a caring community that always lifts up our students and staff. Our Wildcats come to school ready to learn and grow, every day. They are the most caring, compassionate, and dedicated children who truly love school. The family atmosphere here makes it a joy to come to work, where our hustle and heart truly set us apart. I am so blessed to be a part of the WOES family!”
We’d love to hear from you! 💬 Comment below and tell us what you admire about Dr. Howard as your principal! 🙌
#NationalPrincipalsMonth #CCPSProud #LeadershipMatters
Here’s what Ms. Propst had to say about leading at MCE:
“I believe we are truly working together as a team for the love of children and the success and future of our community.”
We’d love to hear from you! 💬 Comment below and tell us what you admire about Ms. Propst as your principal! 🙌
#NationalPrincipalsMonth #CCPSProud #LeadershipMatters
Today, we celebrate Allison Graham, Principal of Morehead City Middle School! 💙✨ Her dedication, leadership, and commitment to student success make a lasting impact every day.
Here’s what Ms. Graham had to say about leading at MCMS:
“The staff, students, parents, and community allow me to be the best version of myself as a leader. They support the vision I have for the school and the success of all students at MCMS!”
We’d love to hear from you! 💬 Comment below and tell us what you admire about Ms. Graham as your principal! 🙌
#NationalPrincipalsMonth #CCPSProud #LeadershipMatters
Today, we celebrate Brooke DePinto, Principal of Harkers Island Elementary School! 💙✨ Her dedication, leadership, and love for her school community make a lasting impact every day.
Here’s what Ms. DePinto had to say about leading at HIES:
“The school community of staff, students, and families at HIES is unmatched. It has been a joy to have the opportunity to really connect and build relationships with our students. Our staff is a small but mighty crew that embodies the idea of doing whatever it takes to meet the needs of our school. Many of our staff wear multiple hats, and they are all more than willing to step in for whatever is needed.”
We’d love to hear from you! 💬 Comment below and tell us what you admire about Ms. DePinto as your principal! 🙌
#NationalPrincipalsMonth #CCPSProud #LeadershipMatters
Here’s what Mr. Westbrook had to say about leading at East Carteret High:
“I enjoy seeing our dedicated teachers work each day to ensure students grow academically and personally. Their hard work fosters daily success and helps prepare and motivate students to become productive, responsible citizens after high school.”
We’d love to hear from you! 💬 Comment below and tell us what you admire about Mr. Westbrook as your principal! 🙌
#NationalPrincipalsMonth #CCPSProud #LeadershipMatters
Today, we celebrate Deidre Arthur, Principal of Atlantic Elementary School! 💙✨ Her dedication, leadership, and love for her school community make a lasting impact every day.
Here’s what Ms. Arthur had to say about leading at Atlantic Elementary:
“I love working for my school because it’s the same school I grew up attending, a place and community that helped shape who I am. Now I get to give back and help create those same experiences for our students.”
We’d love to hear from you! 💬 Comment below and tell us what you admire about Ms. Arthur as your principal! 🙌
#NationalPrincipalsMonth #CCPSProud #LeadershipMatters
