New Bern Student Wins Historic $50K+ Renewable Scholarship

Sega Bagayoko-Diawara is heading to North Carolina State University this fall with something special: a renewable scholarship that honors two New Bern families and their commitment to local students. The New Bern High School senior won both the Harriett Marks and John R. and Alice Land Taylor Scholarships, beating out a competitive field of talented applicants.

The awards couldn't have gone to a more deserving student. Sega earned spots on the Principal's List and Honor Roll throughout high school, joined the National Honor Society, and served as both junior and senior class president.

But his achievements didn't stop in the classroom. He captained the varsity soccer team for four years and earned a conference medal in indoor track triple jump.

The son of Fatou Diop and Abdoulaye Bagayoko, Sega will pursue a major in International Studies. The combined scholarships will cover tuition, board, and lodging, and they renew for three additional years if he maintains strong academic performance.

Sunny's Take

What makes this story shine isn't just one student's success. The Marks Scholarship dates back to 1968, created under the will of Miss Harriett Marks as a memorial to her family. The Taylor Scholarship joined in 2015, funded by a grandson honoring his grandparents and administered by the North Carolina Community Foundation.

Together, these scholarships represent nearly 60 years of New Bern families investing in their community's future. They specifically support New Bern High School seniors who demonstrate both academic merit and financial need, ensuring local talent gets the support to thrive.

The New Bern Historical Society administers both awards as part of their mission to celebrate local history through education. By turning family legacies into educational opportunities, they're creating living memorials that keep giving year after year.

For Sega, the renewable nature of the award means four years of support as he works toward his degree. That's the kind of stability that transforms a college acceptance into a college graduation.