New Bern Civitan Club Announces 2026 Scholarship Recipients

The New Bern Civitan Club Scholarship Committee recently met to review fourteen applications and select four outstanding students to receive the Club’s 2026 scholarships.

As a reminder, the scholarship committee is comprised of five members: two New Bern Civitan Club members, Amy Willis and Jim Comer, along with three community representatives who are not affiliated with the Club.

The selected recipients demonstrated not only exceptional academic achievement, but also a strong commitment to community service and leadership, truly embodying the Civitan motto: “Builders of Good Citizenship.”

We are pleased to announce that the following exceptional New Bern High School students have each been awarded a $1,500 scholarship to support their educational goals:

Graham Foster
Heidy Herrera-Garcia
Reid Scoggins
Maurissa Spencer

Students on stage with principal in back of them
Pictured L to R: Amy Willis, Scholarship Administrator; Reid Scoggins, Maurissa Spencer, Graham Foster, and Heidy Herrera-Garcia

Graham Foster will attend North Carolina State University, where he plans to pursue a degree in Mechanical Engineering. Graham hopes to build a career in marine engineering, combining his passion for sailing and life on the water with his interest in engineering to create meaningful innovations in naval architecture.

Heidy Herrera-Garcia will attend the University of North Carolina at Charlotte and pursue a degree in Political Science with the goal of becoming an immigration attorney. Heidy is passionate about helping immigrant families by serving as both an advocate and a guide through challenging circumstances.

Reid Scoggins will attend North Carolina State University and plans to major in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering. Reid hopes to become not only a skilled engineer, but someone who uses those skills to positively impact the lives of others in meaningful, everyday ways.

Maurissa Spencer will attend the University of North Carolina at Greensboro to pursue a degree in Nursing. aurissa is drawn to a career in healthcare because she understands the challenges of navigating life without consistent support. She hopes to become a compassionate advocate for others, just as she wished someone had been for her.

The New Bern Civitan Club congratulates Graham, Heidy, Reid, and Maurissa on their accomplishments and wishes them continued success as they pursue their higher education goals and future careers. The students will be invited to attend a future Club meeting so members can meet them and celebrate their achievements.

The Club extends its sincere appreciation to Civitan members Amy Willis and Jim Comer for their time and thoughtful participation in the scholarship selection process.

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