1,100 students from around the country became Buick Achievers in 2012. These exceptional individuals were rewarded with more than
$4.2 million in total scholarship funds. Learn about five 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.
Benjamin Zavala
Bio: Benjamin's passion for cars has led to his participation in automotive design competitions. He has been recognized for his designs of automotive seats, tires, as well as building a street legal electric car. Besides his enthusiasm for cars, Benjamin still finds the time to give back in his community. His list of volunteer activities includes feeding the homeless, renovating a school, selling local artwork and building a home. The project that has given him the most satisfaction is his volunteer time at a computer recycling center. He is able to use his computer knowledge to restore computers that can then be donated to schools and local families. At the University of Cincinnati, Benjamin has had the opportunity to participate in several internships to support his interest in the automotive industry.
CloseDonald Chao
Bio: Donald is a shining example of youth making positive contributions in their community. He founded a non-profit organization called the Ocean Acidification Education Project which has motivated thousands of individuals to take action to protect marine ecosystems from deterioration. He has served as a Council Member on his city's youth council and as the Marketing Committee Director for the Arthritis Foundation (Great West Region). When Donald noticed that many senior citizens felt distanced from their loved ones, he started "Teach My Grandma" to educate seniors on how to use technology to connect to their families. At school, Donald is a member of the Honor Society, Key Club and swim team.
CloseNicole Kennard
Bio: Nicole has proven her dedication to serving others through her involvement in school and community activities. She has volunteered at nursing homes, for toy drives, and at events for Earth Day and Veterans Day. Nicole is the founder of the Green Team, her school's first environmental club. Through her leadership, the club has set up a recycling program which not only recycles classroom supplies, but also recycles materials at community and sporting events. Nicole tries to pass these values on to others by providing environmental education at the elementary school. Nicole is a member of her school's Marching Band, National Honor Society and Alpha School Leadership Team.
CloseDevin Willis
Bio: Devin's dedication to helping others is easily observed through his community service. His list of volunteer activities includes work at the local humane society, food pantry, blood drives and Operation Christmas Child. An avid skier, Devin shares his skills by mentoring young beginning skiers through an Elementary Ski Day program. He also finds time to help elderly neighbors with chores such as lawn mowing, raking leaves and staining fences. Devin believes that these small and ordinary things help make his community a nicer place to live. At his high school, he is a member of the National Honor Society and plays on the soccer, basketball and baseball teams.
CloseWhat Achievers Are Saying About Their Scholarship
“Through your generous scholarship, I will be able to afford an education at one of the highest ranking engineering universities in the nation...
I will owe a lot of my future success to you.” —Alex B.
“It brings me great joy to be the first in my family to attend college and graduate from high school...
with your help my dream of becoming a Mechanical Engineer is that much closer to becoming reality.” —Misael N.
“Your kindness makes me believe even more that I can reach my academic and career goals.” —Daniela G.
“As the first member of my family to go to college,
I am proving that anything is possible if you are willing to work hard for it...” —Melissa D.
“I would like to express my greatest gratitude for investing in my future...
I will be the first in my family to attend college. It is thanks to you that those with large dreams and small budgets can reach their goals.” —Brittany C.