On May 12, 2026, the Do Great Things Initiative awarded five scholarships and one financial grant to hardworking students from Green Bay West High School.
Since 2022, the Do Great Things Initiative, comprised mainly of alumni committed to giving back to their community, has raised $6.5 million and awarded eighteen scholarships, along with several financial grants. Working closely with the administration, counselors, and staff at Green Bay West High School, the Initiative also invests $25,000 annually to create meaningful learning opportunities throughout the school year focusing on career exploration, college tours, attendance initiatives, financial aid completion, and exposure to the arts and skilled trades.
Since 2022, the number of students applying for financial aid and attending two- and four-year programs after graduation has risen significantly. The event honored six students who will attend Marquette University, UW–Green Bay, NWTC, and UW–Madison in the fall.
Andy Arauz Receives the DGTI Marquette University Scholarship
Andy envisions a future for himself as a Spanish teacher, using the power of bilingual literacy to help bridge the cultural, socioeconomic, and political gaps of his community.
Tai VanRemortel Receives the DGTI Scholarship to Marquette University
Tai plans to study engineering at Marquette University. At West, he was involved in wrestling, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Link Crew, IB Club, and track. He enjoys fishing, rock climbing, video games, and time with friends. He hopes to travel the world.
Jonathan Garcia-Sebastian Receives the DGTI Scholarship to University of Wisconsin – Green Bay
Jonathan will attend UW – Green Bay to major in Human Resource Management and pursue a career advocating for workers’ rights. He hopes to mentor his younger siblings in their future pursuits. In his spare time, Jonathan enjoys fishing, gardening, and spending time with family.
Kendra Vang Receives the DGTI Scholarship to NWTC
Kendra will attend Northeast Wisconsin Technical College to earn her Associate of Arts degree and work toward a career as a flight attendant. While at West, she participated in volleyball and was also involved in Asian Club during her freshman year. In her free time, Kendra enjoys journaling and scrapbooking.
Najee Yang Receives the DGTI Scholarship to NWTC
Najee will attend NWTC to pursue a career as an electrician. During his time at West, he received two academic credits for completing 450 hours of work experience and earned the Student Success Award in 2025. In addition to working, Najee participated in basketball and football.
Adriana Flores Torres Receives the DGTI $5000 grant to the University of Wisconsin – Madison
Adriana will be majoring in Mathematics at the University of Wisconsin – Madison. While at West High School, Adriana was active in Orchestra, the Math Team, Forensics, and the Tiny Earth research program. In her free time, she enjoys reading and playing or watching chess.
Keynote Speakers Applauded the Student’s Accomplishments
Students were congratulated and given advice from Jim Ryan, Green Bay West Alum ’85 and DGTI Founder, Gary Wiessinger, Green Bay West Alum ’89 and DGTI Board Member, Dexter McNabb, Principal, Green Bay West High School, Heather Zelzer, Associate Principal, Green Bay West High School, Vicki Bayer, Superintendent, Green Bay Area Public Schools, Patrick Correia-Harker, Director of Admissions, Marquette University, Rachele Bakic, Assistant Director of Admissions, UWGB, and Kathy Rechner, Senior Development Specialist, NWTC Foundation.
