Meet 6 Alabama college graduates who won prestigious awards

It’s around that time when students from all over Alabama are making huge life decisions.

For many, college is just the beginning, and the very first step is applying for a scholarship.

We’ve recognized 5 hard-working students who earned scholarships for this academic year and are on the journey to success!

1. AJ Nettles | University of Alabama at Birmingam

This highly competitive challenge was won by UAB’s cybersecurity student AJ Nettles.

The Swift Student Challenge was a three-week endeavor to see which student could create a digital masterpiece. Nettles created an app called “CryptOh?”, an informative guide to better password security. The password encryption uses high-quality technology using the security enclave included in Apple devices and can be unlocked using biometrics.

“It was a fun oppurtuntiy that I got to participate in, and I couldn’t do it without the support of my family and fiancée.”

AJ Nettles

2. Grace Brindley | University of Alabama

Recent graduate Grace Brindley has earned the Munson Foundation Scholarship, allowing her to intern with Black Warrior Riverkeeper here in Birmingham.

The Munson Foundation has supported the University of Alabama’s Advertising and Public Relations Department with conservation scholarships for over 16 years.

The foundation is also a member of both the Waterkeepers Alabama and Waterkeep Alliance, working to patrol waterways, respond to pollution complaints and educate the public on water conservation.

Grace also served our team as an intern for Bham Now and The Bama Buzz in 2023.

“I am thrilled to serve as an intern for Black Warrior Riverkeeper. The experience relates to many of the skills C&IS cultivates. From strategic communication to brand development, Black Warrior Riverkeeper interns gain valuable exposure to real-life and PR responsibilities.”

Grace Brindley

3. Da’Quandalon Daniel | Alabama A&M University

Splunk, a software company based in San Francisco, has awarded 15 HBCU students with scholarships based on academic excellence and innovative use of technology.

Students interested in this fund must be majoring in a type of software engineering program and write an essay on a significant contribution they’ve made to their community.

Daniel, an Alabama A&M University student, had made quite the name for himself by interning at Wells Fargo in Charlotte, North Carolina, as a software engineer and as a defense government contractor at RTX in Huntsville.

4. Benjamin Trost | University of Alabama

Benjamin Trost is the first University of Alabama student to receive the Udall scholarship in 23 years.

This undergraduate scholarship identifies future leaders in tribal public policy and health care fields. The Udall scholarship honors both Morris K. Udall and Stewart L. Udall, who had a significant impact on Native American independence, health care and stewardship or public lands.

Trost is currently an honors college student majoring in biology. He can’t wait for the upcoming school year and the chance to connect with “like-minded” students.

“I’m deeply appreciative to the faculty who have mentored me and taught me to see the connections between my interests in environmentalism, Southern history and queer identity.”

Benjamin Trost

5. Juan Luis Contreras | Auburn University

This humanitarian scholarship highlights exemplary students who are highly active in the community.

Both Sam Forbes, a professor of educational psychology at Auburn University and Juan Luis Contreras, a pre-med student have both been selected based upon their community outreach. Contreras, a Birmingham native, was selected because of his academic excellence and impact on the local community.

When he is not nose-deep in academics, he is volunteering at Esperanza House, translating for the Hispanic community.

6. Paul Nguyen | University of South Alabama

This South Alabama student is focusing on everything regarding biology.

He used his love of science to create an in-depth research project regarding protein biophysics, earning him the 2024 Goldwater Scholarship for outstanding science students.

Nguyen uses both his love for academics and the arts to keep him busy during the year. He decided to major in both music and chemical engineering in hopes of combining his talents and interests of both science and music.

Congratulations to all of these excellent students on winning great scholarships to fund their future!

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