Graduation season officially hit Craven County in a big way on Friday, May 22, 2026 — and the energy was absolutely electric. Across three separate ceremonies, 935 seniors from Craven County Schools took that long-awaited walk across the stage, accepted their diplomas, and officially closed one of the biggest chapters of their lives. Families traveled from all over, tears were shed, phones were raised, and for just a few hours, everything in New Bern, Havelock, and Vanceboro stopped to celebrate these students.
So whether you were there cheering in the stands, watched from home, or just want to relive the highlights — let’s take a full look at what made the Craven County Schools Class of 2026 graduation so memorable.
New Bern High School: 397 Seniors Take the Stage
Kicking things off at New Bern High School’s football stadium, 397 seniors crossed the stage in what Superintendent Dr. Matthew Cheeseman described as a defining moment — a celebration of both what students have accomplished and all the opportunities that lie ahead. And honestly, that description couldn’t be more fitting.
The outdoor setting gave the ceremony a community feel that graduates and families clearly loved. With stands packed full of proud parents, siblings, grandparents, and friends — many of whom had traveled considerable distances just to be there — the atmosphere was everything you’d want from a graduation ceremony.
I’m here to celebrate my niece. She is graduating today, and I’m so excited for her. She beat all the odds, and she’s walking today.— Rodnisha Minor, family member
That quote from Rodnisha Minor says a lot. It’s a reminder that behind every single diploma handed out on Friday, there’s a personal story of persistence, sacrifice, and hard work — from the students themselves and from the families who supported them every step of the way. “She beat all the odds” is the kind of thing you hear at graduations and feel deep in your chest, because you know there’s a real story behind it.
I’ve been waiting for this moment for a long time, and I’m super excited that it’s finally over. On to college life.— Ronald Sweatman III, New Bern High School Graduate
Graduate Ronald Sweatman III summed up what most seniors were feeling: a huge sense of relief mixed with genuine excitement about what’s next. College life is calling for many of these graduates, and New Bern is sending them out well-prepared.
New graduates looking for work in New Bern while they plan their next steps can browse open positions at the SupportNewBern.com Job Board — featuring current listings from local Craven County employers.
Havelock and West Craven Join the Celebration
New Bern wasn’t the only school making memories on Friday morning. Havelock High School and West Craven High School also held their commencement ceremonies, completing a full morning of graduations across Craven County Schools. Together, the three schools sent 935 young adults out into the world as official members of the Class of 2026.
Havelock High School, located just miles from Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, has a uniquely diverse student body that reflects the military community surrounding it. Many graduates there are the children of active-duty service members who have spent part — or all — of their school years navigating the challenges of military family life. Graduating from a school like Havelock carries its own special kind of resilience.
West Craven High School, serving students from the Vanceboro area and the broader western portion of Craven County, rounds out a school district that spans both urban and rural communities. Together, these three schools tell the complete story of who Craven County is — diverse, hardworking, and deeply rooted in community pride.
📊 Quick Fact: According to the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction, the statewide four-year cohort graduation rate for public high school students has consistently remained above 86% in recent years. Craven County’s Class of 2026 contributes meaningfully to that achievement.
Words of Wisdom Straight from the Class of 2026
One of the best things about graduation is the advice that starts flowing freely once people have that diploma in hand. And the Class of 2026 did not disappoint. Two graduates in particular shared some words that honestly hit differently — the kind of advice you wish someone had told you at 18.
A lot of people are going to tell you, ‘Oh, the years are going to fly by.’ You might not listen now, but they actually do fly by, so cherish the years while y’all got it and enjoy the class time.— Maurissa Spencer, New Bern High School Graduate
Maurissa Spencer’s message is one every current student — and every adult, honestly — needs to hear. It’s so easy to wish your way through the day-to-day grind of high school without stopping to appreciate where you are. The fact that she’s sharing that lesson at graduation means she really internalized it herself, and that’s something worth carrying forward.
Please be yourself. Because I didn’t learn myself until junior or senior year. So please be yourself and be confident. Be very confident.— Demournay Pugh Jr., New Bern High School Graduate
Demournay Pugh Jr. kept it real. The pressure to fit in, perform a certain way, or be what other people expect from you is real — especially during high school. The fact that he found himself by junior or senior year and wants other students to find that even earlier is genuinely great advice. Confidence built on authenticity is the kind that actually lasts.
What Superintendent Dr. Matthew Cheeseman Said
Superintendent Dr. Matthew Cheeseman addressed graduates across the ceremonies, calling commencement a defining moment — one that stands at the intersection of all they’ve already achieved and everything still ahead of them. It’s the kind of framing that graduation deserves: not just a finish line, but a launching pad.
Dr. Cheeseman leads a district that covers both urban New Bern and rural Craven County communities, which means his job involves balancing a wide range of student needs, resources, and goals. The fact that 935 students crossed stages on Friday is a testament to the work being done at every level of the district — from teachers and counselors to administrators and support staff.
For more on Craven County Schools’ programs, initiatives, and academic offerings, you can visit the official Craven County Schools website.
What’s Next? Where the Class of 2026 Is Headed
Graduation is a milestone, but it’s really just the beginning. So what actually comes next for Craven County’s 935 newest graduates? The paths look different for every student — and all of them are worth celebrating. Here’s a look at the main directions:
Four-Year College
UNC system schools, private colleges, and out-of-state universities — many graduates are heading to campus in the fall.
Community College
Craven Community College is right here in New Bern and offers hundreds of programs at a fraction of the cost.
Military Service
With MCAS Cherry Point nearby, many graduates are joining one of the five branches of the U.S. military.
Skilled trades are booming. Electricians, plumbers, HVAC techs, and welders are in serious demand across Eastern NC.
Some graduates are jumping straight into the New Bern job market — and local employers are ready to hire.
According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), about 62% of high school graduates nationally enroll in a two-or four-year college program within the fall semester following graduation. That still leaves a significant portion entering the workforce, the military, or trade programs — and each path leads to real, meaningful careers.
New graduates transitioning from Craven County Schools into the workforce can find local employer listings, career resources, and military transition support at the SupportNewBern.com Community Resources Hub.
A Look at NC Graduation Trends — Context for the Class of 2026
To really appreciate what Friday’s ceremonies represented, it helps to understand the bigger picture. North Carolina has made significant strides in high school graduation rates over the past decade. Statewide, the four-year graduation rate has climbed consistently, driven by stronger early intervention programs, expanded career and technical education pathways, and a growing focus on individualized student support.
The NC Department of Public Instruction tracks cohort graduation rates annually and breaks them down by school district — meaning every graduate who walked across the stage on Friday actually moves the needle on a metric that reflects the health of public education in Craven County.
Why Graduation Rates Matter Beyond the Numbers
A higher graduation rate isn’t just good news for a school district’s rankings. Research consistently shows that high school graduates earn significantly more over their lifetimes than non-graduates, are more likely to be employed, have better health outcomes, and are more likely to be civically engaged. Every student who walks across that stage represents a real, compounding benefit for the Craven County community for decades to come.
Advice for Current Students: How to Make the Most of Your Years
The Class of 2026 has already been generous with their advice — so let’s build on that. If you’re a current Craven County student (or the parent of one), here’s some practical guidance inspired by what graduates themselves said on Friday:
- 1Show up — even on the hard days. Attendance is one of the most straightforward predictors of graduation. According to Attendance Works, students who are chronically absent (missing 10% or more of school days) are significantly less likely to graduate on time.
- 2Figure out who you are — don’t wait until senior year. Demournay Pugh said it himself. The earlier you start being authentically yourself, the more confident and successful you’ll be across every part of your life.
- 3Actually enjoy high school. Maurissa Spencer’s advice to cherish the time resonates because it’s true. Build friendships, join clubs, try things — the academic stuff matters, but so does the full experience.
- 4Start planning for after graduation early. Whether it’s college applications, FAFSA, military recruiters, or job training programs — the earlier you start, the more options you’ll have.
- 5Use your community. Craven County has real resources — from Craven Community College to workforce development programs to military service opportunities — that can support whatever path you choose after high school.
How the New Bern Community Can Keep Supporting Its Graduates
Graduation isn’t just a celebration — it’s also a transition. And transitions go a lot more smoothly when a community shows up for its young people not just on ceremony day, but in the days, weeks, and months that follow. Here’s how Craven County residents and local businesses can make a real difference:
Hire locally. If you run a business in New Bern, Havelock, or the surrounding area, consider making it a point to hire recent Craven County graduates. These are young people who grew up here and are invested in this community. Giving them a starting point matters.
Mentor. One of the most underrated resources in any community is the experienced adults already living there. Connecting graduates with mentors in their field of interest can make an enormous difference in their early career navigation.
Support Craven Community College. For graduates pursuing the community college path, institutions like Craven Community College play a vital role in making higher education accessible and affordable right here in Eastern NC. Employers who partner with CCC for internships and job placement help the whole ecosystem work better.
New Bern business owners looking to connect with the local workforce — including new graduates — can list their business and post open positions on SupportNewBern.com’s Business Directory. It’s free to get started.
Congratulations, Class of 2026 — New Bern Is Proud of You
At the end of the day, Friday’s ceremonies were about one thing: people. Nine hundred and thirty-five of them, to be exact — each with their own story, their own obstacles, their own dreams, and their own reasons for making it to that stage. Families who packed the stands, teachers who put in years of effort, and a community that shows up for its young people every single time.
The Class of 2026 is heading out into a world full of opportunity, and Craven County sent them off with exactly the kind of send-off they deserved. Here’s to every single graduate who crossed that stage — your community is watching, rooting for you, and celebrating every success to come.
Congratulations, graduates. You earned this. Now go get everything you’ve been working toward.
📚 Sources & Additional Reading
- [1] North Carolina Department of Public Instruction — Graduation Rates & Data
- [2] National Center for Education Statistics — Immediate College Enrollment Rate
- [3] Craven County Schools — Official District Website
- [4] Craven Community College — New Bern Campus
- [5] Attendance Works — Research on Chronic Absenteeism and Graduation
