East Carteret High School

The Carteret County Public School System celebrated its 2025–2026 Employees of the Year with a special recognition event and luncheon held Friday at Carolina Home and Garden in Newport, North Carolina.

The annual event honored outstanding educators and staff from across the district, recognizing excellence in leadership, teaching, and service.

The district extends its sincere gratitude to the event sponsors:

• Gold Sponsor: Carteret County Farm Bureau

• Silver Sponsor: Plain Jane’s Cleaning and Janitorial Supply

• Car Sponsor: Kurtis Chevrolet

2025–2026 Employees of the Year:

• Classified Employee of the Year: Betsy Mills, Beaufort Elementary School
  Sponsored by ReMax Ocean Properties

• Certified Employee of the Year: Deborah Henderson, Newport Elementary School
  Sponsored by Kirkman, Whitford, Berryman, Gordon & Brown Law Firm

• Assistant Principal of the Year: Ashley Schultz, Broad Creek Middle School
  Sponsored by Hite and Associates

• Principal of the Year: Jay Westbrook, East Carteret High School
  Sponsored by Frank Door

• Teacher of the Year: Sherri Meadows, Croatan High School
  Sponsored by Chick-fil-A of Morehead City

As part of her recognition, Ms. Meadows was presented with the keys to a fully-electric Chevy Blazer SUV, generously provided by Kurtis Chevrolet.

Congratulations to all of this year’s winners and nominees. Your dedication, passion, and service are what make Carteret County Public Schools exceptional.