1,100 students from around the country became Buick Achievers in 2011. These exceptional individuals were rewarded with more than
$4.2 million in total scholarship funds. Learn about four of this year's scholarship recipients and their achievements as students, leaders,
and volunteers. Click on student name on the left to see their story.
Alex Baker
Bio: Alex believes volunteers lead by example. Being the captain of his high school basketball team, he has shared his talents with other young people serving as a counselor for a youth basketball camp for three years. He has also worked as a show ring crew volunteer for the Montour Valley Horseman's Association. Alex states the experience that has given him the most personal satisfaction is volunteering at Habitat for Humanity. Some of his duties included working with the Habitat ReStore to unload trucks and organize donated items for the store. He has also served on his high school's student council and is a member of Future Farmers of America.
CloseArmisha Roberts
Bio: Armisha has been an active community member throughout high school. She has given her time and talent to several service projects including Toys for Tots, Relay for Life, and Education Rocks. Through her involvement in different service organizations she has participated in cleaning up debris from the local inlet, planting a community vegetable garden and various fundraising activities. Armisha was appointed to serve as the student voting member on the Education and Youth Advisory Board for Boynton Beach. This Board provides assistance to various clubs and organizations in the community. In addition, Armisha has demonstrated her leadership ability as President of the Foreign Language Honor Society at her school.
CloseMelissa Rey
Bio: Melissa's love for Science can be easily seen through her community involvement. For the past three years, she has designed and coordinated a Summer Science Camp for Girls. The goal of the program is to help underprivileged girls break the cycle of poverty through education. She hopes the camp will inspire girls to develop a passion for science and is proud to state that most girls at the camp now plan to pursue a science career. Other volunteer activities on Melissa's resume include Special Olympics, Earth Day coordinator and Green Team. Melissa has earned numerous awards for her service and science achievements. Melissa is featured in the book, My Dyslexia by Philip Schultz, and has been a public speaker at events to share her experiences with dyslexia.
CloseErik Avila
Bio: Erik believes his volunteer service work impacts himself as much as the community. His service work includes numerous food drives, a community garden and being lead coordinator for Heal the Bay. He indicates that his greatest service is feeding the homeless on Thanksgiving and enjoys seeing them smile after they receive a meal. In addition to many volunteer experiences, Erik has participated in the Los Angeles Fire Department Fire Station Cadet Program and has earned the honor of being a Top Cadet. Erik is a member of several organizations including Engineers Without Borders, Students Run LA, EcoCAR2 Team and his church choir.
CloseWhat Achievers Are Saying About Their Scholarship
“I am proud to be able to state that I am a Buick Achiever.” —James A.
“Without the help of scholarships like yours, I would be unable to attend college.” —Destiny H.
“This award has given me the opportunity to pursue my passion,
and through that opportunity, eventually earn the status of being an exceptional engineer.” —Dustin H.
“Thank you for lightening my financial burden and I hope that someday
I'll be able to do what you're doing right now—make a difference in many students' lives.” —Yanaiu L.
“This scholarship is one of the most coveted in our nation
and the fact that the GM Foundation recognized me brought me a great deal of pride.” —Kathleen M.