Eastside High School 2012 graduate Maya Ann Collins has been named a 2012 Buick Scholarship recipient. As one of only 100 national Buick Achievement scholarship winners, Collins will receive up to $25,000 a year, renewable for up to four years, to go toward her college tuition. She is planning on pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Chemical and bimolecular engineering at Georgia Tech. She also plans on completing the school's Ph.D. program in hopes of becoming a professional engineer.
Supported by the General Motors Foundation, the Buick Achievers program is one of the largest scholarship programs in the country and rewards students who excel both in the classroom and in the community, but lack the financial resources to pursue higher education. Scholarship recipients are selected based on the following factors:
• academic achievement
• financial need
• participation and leadership in community and school activities
• work experience and interest in pursuing a career in the automotive or related industry
"I was truly amazed to receive the wonderful letter that so eloquently described the history and legacy of the Buick Achievers Scholarship," said Collins. "Understanding the excellence in ‘Engineering Service and Scholarship' that the Buick Achievers Program stands for was overwhelming to read and uncover. I am indeed blessed to be named a recipient of this great award."
She said, "I plan to use this award to further advance my educational dreams and continue my stride for distinction and merit. I am overjoyed to think that my educational determination and commitment to community service were worthy enough to achieve this magnificent honor. Again, I am highly appreciative of the GM Foundation for assisting my efforts to reach goals that were unimaginable, but today are becoming more and more obtainable."
In addition to her high academic achievement in high school - she graduated fourth in her class at Eastside and also made the Dean's List as a dual enrollment student at Georgia Perimeter College - Collins was an active member of the Ronald McDonald House of Charities program (Gatewood), where she worked with young children to raise their spirits as they underwent treatment at local hospitals. She also volunteered her time at Newton Medical Center and Keep Covington/Newton Beautiful.
"Maya Ann Collins is a dedicated and determined young lady with a tremendous drive to succeed," said Tina Daniel Reasey, lead counselor at Eastside High School. "She was focused on her academics and making a difference while in high school. She was able to graduate with top honors and had many scholarship opportunities. Eastside High School is very proud of Maya and her accomplishments."
