Craven County Partners in Education Announces $100,000 Annette Milstead Legacy Fund to Support Craven County Schools Teachers and Students

New Bern, NC - Craven County Partners In Education is pleased to announce the establishment of the Annette Milstead Legacy Fund, a $100,000 endowment created through a generous gift from Clay Milstead in memory of his beloved wife, Annette Milstead, and in honor of her lifelong dedication to education.

Annette Milstead was a dedicated educator who served students throughout Craven County Schools. During her teaching career, she taught at Brinson Memorial Elementary School, H.J. MacDonald Middle School, and New Bern High School. As both an Exceptional Children’s teacher and an English teacher, Annette made a difference in the lives of students across multiple grade levels, leaving a legacy rooted in education, services, and commitment to helping students succeed.

For Clay Milstead, establishing this endowment is a meaningful way to honor his wife’s memory while ensuring that her dedication to education continues to benefit future generations of students.

“Annette dedicated her life to teaching and making a difference in the lives of her students. Establishing this legacy fund is my way of honoring her love for education and ensuring that her passion for helping students succeed continues for years to come. I hope this fund will provide teachers with the resources they need to inspire students, encourage learning, and open doors to new possibilities. Annette cared deeply about her students, and it is my hope that her legacy will continue to touch the lives of students throughout Craven County Schools for generations to come,” said Clay Milstead.

The establishment of the Annette Milstead Legacy Fund marks a milestone for Craven County Partners In Education as the first endowment created specifically to provide grants to teachers throughout Craven County Schools. The $100,000 endowment establishes a lasting source of support to help ensure that teachers have opportunities to access resources that enhance instruction and enrich student learning for years to come.

“We are deeply grateful to Clay Milstead for his extraordinary gift and for choosing Craven County Partners In Education as the home for Annette’s legacy,” said Suzanne Gifford, Executive Director of Craven County Partners In Education. “Annette dedicated her career to educating and supporting students in our community. This endowment will ensure that her impact continues by providing teachers with resources to bring new learning opportunities to their classrooms. It is a beautiful tribute to a remarkable educator.”

Craven County Partners In Education is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting and advancing educational experiences within Craven County Schools through collaborative community involvement. Through classroom grants, community partnerships, and other initiatives, PIE connects community resources with the needs of educators and students.

The Annette Milstead Legacy Fund represents a lasting investment in the future of education in Craven County, ensuring that Annette’s dedication to students continues to inspire and benefit teachers and classrooms for years to come.