South Lenoir Senior Cody Baggett Earns Finalist Honors for Two of North Carolina’s Most Prestigious Scholarships
Cody Baggett never expected an agriculture classroom to help shape his path toward medicine or two of North Carolina’s most prestigious scholarship opportunities. Now, the South Lenoir High School senior and FFA president is a finalist for both the Morehead-Cain Scholarship at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and the Goodnight Scholarship at North Carolina State University, honors that recognize students for academic excellence, leadership and service.
Baggett said being named a finalist for the competitive programs still feels surreal. “I’m nervous, but I’m very excited,” he said. “It’s an amazing opportunity.”
Baggett has spent his entire life in Lenoir County and said the support he received from teachers and mentors at South Lenoir helped prepare him for opportunities like the Morehead-Cain and Goodnight scholarships.
“The people here have helped and supported me wherever I needed it,” Baggett said. “My agriculture teachers go further than just teaching. They take time to learn about you and help you figure out where you want to go.”
Dr. Elizabeth Pierce, South Lenoir’s principal, praised Baggett’s character and accomplishments.
"Bright, driven, and genuinely kind, Cody balances academic excellence with athletic commitment and meaningful involvement in clubs and FFA. His sense of humor, work ethic and willingness to serve others make him not only a standout student, but an even better person that leaves a lasting impression when you meet him. He is truly deserving of this honor and we are so proud of him."
Baggett’s story reflects the impact of Career and Technical Education programs, which Lenoir County Public Schools celebrates during Career and Technical Education Month. Through CTE courses in health science and agricultural education, Baggett discovered both his career goals and leadership strengths.
Baggett originally expected to follow family members into skilled trades. His career interests changed after watching his older sister pursue a medical career and after his grandmother experienced a health scare. Those experiences led him to explore health science classes, where he discovered a passion for medicine.
“I’ve always loved STEM,” Baggett said. “It went from being interested in science to being interested in health science. The more I learned, the more I fell in love with it.”
He now plans to pursue a career as a trauma or emergency room physician and will graduate from high school with an associate’s degree in science from Lenoir Community College, giving him a strong head start on his college education.
Baggett said agricultural education and his involvement in Future Farmers of America helped build the confidence and communication skills that prepared him for scholarship interviews and leadership roles. He joined FFA as a freshman and now serves as chapter president.
“FFA isn’t just about agriculture,” Baggett said. “There are leadership opportunities and chances to grow as a person. It helped make me who I am today.”
Through FFA, Baggett competed in extemporaneous public speaking, where students are given a topic and limited time to prepare a speech. He said the experience helped him learn to communicate clearly under pressure.
“That’s how the real world works,” Baggett said. “You don’t always have time to rehearse. That competition helped me feel confident speaking when I’m put on the spot.”
Baggett has also gained workforce and entrepreneurship experience through CTE programs. He helped secure a National FFA grant to create a student-run merchandise production space using 3D printing and apparel design equipment. The project allows students to raise funds while gaining business and technical experience.
“We wanted to create something that would help support our program and give students
real-world experience,” Baggett said. “It helps remove financial barriers so more students can participate.”
Baggett said he is proud to be considered for both the Morehead-Cain and Goodnight scholarships and is continuing through the finalist selection processes. He plans to attend college in North Carolina and hopes to eventually return to Lenoir County.
“I don’t want to leave this community,” Baggett said. “I want to come back and help the next generation.”
Baggett encourages younger students to take advantage of opportunities offered through CTE, athletics and extracurricular programs.
“You have to put yourself out there,” Baggett said. “If you wait until you feel ready, you might never be ready. You just have to try.”
Looking back on his experience in LCPS, Baggett said the opportunities available to students stand out the most.
“Whether you want to go to college, learn a trade or go straight into the workforce, there are opportunities here,” Baggett said. “Even though we’re a small community, there are so many chances to do great things.”
As he prepares for the final stages of both scholarship selection processes, Baggett said he hopes his story encourages other students to explore their interests and take advantage of opportunities available through Career and Technical Education programs.
