Scholarship Recipient - Garry Baynes
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Garry Baynes NOW

Glory to God, Garry Franklin Baynes, Jr. is officially a graduate of UCLA!

After transferring from LACC, and after 2 years of study at UCLA, Garry received a Bachelors of Arts degree in Afro-American Studies with a Sociology concentration. Graduation ceremonies were held during 3 separate events: The College of Letters and Sciences, the Afro-American Studies (departmental), and the All African Peoples graduation ceremonies. Garry participated in all three ceremonies and was accompanied by the support of many family and friends. Garry was a featured artist and provided a Senior Performance at the much celebrated "All African Peoples" graduation. He performed tap dance to the musical accompaniment from a fellow graduate. As a graduate of UCLA, Garry desires to serve the community and nation by working as a Academic Counselor and College Recruiter. In consideration of the low enrollment of black students at UCLA, Garry plans to recruit students from the inner city schools and transfer students from Junior Colleges across the United States.

When Garry was asked "How does it feel to graduate from UCLA", he said "It feels great! I thank God for DTDSS and Pastor Candace Kelly for helping me and for encouraging me to be a successful student!
Garry Baynes in 2005
Garry will be a junior at UCLA in September 2005 and majoring in African American Studies
My name is Garry Baynes. Throughout my years of high school, I attended a different high school each year. It was a difficult time for me because I had to keep adjusting to a new environment. This experience had a negative impact on my life. Therefore, my academic performance was poor, I had to make new friends each year, and I was surrounded by negative influences. Once I finished my junior year in high school, I lived with my mother and sister. With their love and support, my life began to change. I started being active in church at Faithful Central, received numerous academic achievements throughout my senior year, and surrounded myself around strong Christian men and women. As of today, I am a graduate of Los Angeles City College which I received an AA in Liberal Arts and two Web design certifications. I am also an active tap dancer that had the classes by Savion Glover, and a transfer student enrolled at UCLA as a junior majoring in Afro-American Studies with a concentration in Sociology.

My encouragement to all youth and young adults is to trust God (number one), be assertive in school and do not settle for less. If you have the opportunity to go to a prestigious university, TAKE IT! That was a mistake that I almost made. It can make a big difference on whether you make $50K per year or $100K per year. Also, when in school, be sure to develop a well-organized time management plan because you will definitely be occupied while on campus. Lastly, something that my mentor Keith Whitney taught me, make sure that you sit in the front of the class and visit your teachers during their office hours. It can make a difference on whether the teacher gives you a B or an A in the class.