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 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.
Jennifer Gammond
Bio: Jennifer is the Founder and President of “Assisting Kids In Need” (AKIN). She founded AKIN with two goals in mind; the first being to raise money to assist families with basic needs such as food, schooling, health care and simply having a decent place to live so as to break the cycle of poverty. AKIN's second goal is to teach affluent children to be compassionate to those in need. As Jennifer puts it, “AKIN is about kids helping third world kids out of poverty using practical business solutions.” In addition to her work with AKIN, Jennifer is also a member of the Community Service Board, President of the Spanish Club, a member of the school soccer team, Treasurer of the Teenage Republican Club and a volunteer at her church.
CloseDonovan Colquitt
Bio: Donovan epitomizes the term “community volunteer.” Donovan is the Co-Founder of Youth Empowerment, a mentoring program for high school students. Through his mentoring activities, Donovan hopes to provide a source of motivation for his mentees and others to work toward improving their communities. In addition to the mentoring program he co-developed, Donovan has served for two years as team captain of the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life. Donovan is also a youth board member on the Orchards Children's Services Youth organization, chair of the Student Congress student/teacher appreciation committee, a two year member of the Class Board of 2011 and a member of the Varsity Tennis Team. About his community involvement, Donovan states, “In sum, my actions have achieved the goal of appreciating those in need of kindness, nourishing those in need of food, and activating those in need of inspiration.”
CloseDaniel Graupensperger
Bio: Throughout his life, Daniel strives to be a leader in his community. Daniel has held various leadership positions with the Placer County Youth Commission. He has served as both the Public Relations Officer and Technology Officer with the Placer County Youth Commission. The Youth Commission has expanded its programs to other locations in the county and has been recognized by the community for changing negative stereotypes often associated with teenagers. Daniel also currently serves as Editor-in Chief of Journalism and Thematic Editor of the Yearbook. Daniel is also active in his church's Young Men's Bible Study and as team captain of the Nazarene Bible Quiz Team.
CloseStavros Stratis
Bio: Stavros fervently believes that active community involvement is good for one's soul. Stavros has held several leadership positions with the Greek Orthodox Youth of America, a teen ministry group he has been involved with since sixth grade. Stavros states that “Through all of these activities, I have helped raise enthusiasm within my church community as well as attract more people to it.” Stavros has also been active in Boy Scouts of America by being part of three different Eagle Scout projects. Other organizations that Stavros has been involved in include Mu Alpha Theta (Math Club), Quiz Bowl, National Honor Society, Chess Club and Hellenic Folk Dance.
CloseWon Ik (Ryan) Lee
Bio: Ryan is Founder and President of Strings for Little Stars, an organization that provides free instrumental instruction to underprivileged children. Ryan believes that learning to play a musical instrument can provide inspiration for individuals to aspire to greater things. This belief is evidenced by the over 50 students in the program who have been directly impacted by the free instrumental instruction provided by Strings for Little Stars. He is proud that the spread of Strings for Little Stars has marked the start of other children's programs at public libraries, such as art clubs. Ryan is also a student researcher, involved with Nanotechnology Independent Research and Stem Cell Independent Research. Other activities that Ryan participates in include the Debate Team, Model UN, UNICEF-USA Volunteer Club, Student Council, Orchestra, Chemistry Team, Global Ambassadors, Mock Trial Team and Hoop Dreamz AAU Basketball.
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.