AK Steel is continuing a longstanding tradition this year by awarding college scholarships to 20 sons and daughters of company employees. The awards recognize outstanding academic achievement, leadership and community involvement. The 2007 scholarships are funded by the AK Steel Foundation and are worth a maximum $16,000 each.
“Earning an AK Steel scholarship speaks volumes about the students and families associated with our company,” said James L. Wainscott, AK Steel chairman, president and CEO. “We congratulate all of our applicants for their achievements - and applaud them for demonstrating the values that help make AK Steel a successful company and great place to work.”
To select the scholarship recipients, a panel of independent college admissions officers reviews the applications and determines student eligibility. The Middletown, Ohio Community Foundation then selects the winners and reports final results to the company.
2007 Scholarship Recipients:
Kayte Earley, daughter of Don and Linda Earley of Santa Claus, Indiana.
Kayte graduates from Heritage Hills High School where she is a three-time recipient of “The Patriot of the Month Award” for academic and extracurricular excellence. She has been treasurer of the National Honor Society and class president, as well as a Spell Bowl and Academic Bowl competitor. She is a member of the drama club, a thespian award winner and president of the jazz ensemble. She has also been active in swimming and choir. Kayte participates in church missions and is a vacation Bible School volunteer. Kayte’s father, Don Earley, works in the finishing department at Rockport Works.
Meg Eckart, daughter of Mark and Rose Ann Eckart of Middletown, Ohio.
Meg graduates from Bishop Fenwick High School where she is a member of the National Honor Society, the historian of the Latin club and the trumpet section leader in band. She earned Summa Cum Laude recognition on the national Latin exam and is an award-winning concert band member. She is a member of the jazz ensemble, concert, pep and marching bands, as well as the Middletown Youth Symphony. Meg is a nursing home volunteer, a eucharistic minister for her church and a math tutor. Her father, Mark Eckart, works in the manufacturing planning department at Middletown Works.
Allison Ferrara, daughter of Al and Rita Ferrara of Springboro, Ohio.
Allison graduates from Springboro High School where she is a member of the National Honor Society, student council and cross-country team. She was named to the "Who's Who Among American High School Students" and is a National Merit Commended Scholar, academic letterman and former cheerleader and track athlete. She serves the community by volunteering at the Middletown Regional Hospital, participating in church youth group initiatives, tutoring and supporting the United Way and Agape for Youth, Inc. Allison’s father, Al Ferrara, works in the finance department at AK Steel’s corporate headquarters in Middletown.
Joe Garrett, son of Greg and Barb Garrett of Monroe, Ohio.
Joe graduates from Lakota East High School where he is an honor student, consul of the Junior Classical Leagueand a recipient of awards in physics, Latin, poetry and mathematics. He participated in the American mathematics contest and is a National Merit Commended Scholar. He is a member of the Mu Alpha Theta math club, church band, and he also played in concert band. He has performed volunteer work for Habitat for Humanity and his church. Joe’s father, Greg Garrett, works in the electrical maintenance and control department at Middletown Works.
Amy Gladd, daughter of Carl and Sara Gladd of Butler, Pennsylvania.
Amy graduates from Moniteau Junior-Senior High where she was named to the "Who's Who Among American High School Students." She is a member of the National Honor Society, as well as a varsity athlete, captain of the girls’ basketball, track and cross-country teams and a four-year letterman. She also participated in choir, journalism activities, Future Teachers of America and student government. Amy is active in church missions and is a Meals on Wheels, Roadside Cleanup and Food Pantry volunteer. She also coaches youth basketball. Amy’s father, Carl Gladd, works in the processing maintenance department at Butler Works.
Adam Griffiths, son of Paul Griffiths and Susan Griffiths-Brophy - and stepson of Gregory Brophy of Liberty Township, Ohio.
Adam graduated from Lakota East High School where he was an honor student, writer and editor for the school newspaper and a web page designer. He was a recipient of numerous awards for journalism, including a second place finish in the 2006 “Ohio High School Journalist of the Year” contest. He was the founder and president of the film club, as well as a member of the French, drama, and Franco-German clubs. Adam was active in church missions and was a volunteer French tutor. His stepfather, Gregory Brophy, works in the steelmaking department at Middletown Works.
Kristen Hasychak, daughter of Ronald and Robin Hasychak of West Sunbury, Pennsylvania.
Kristen graduates from Moniteau Junior-Senior High where she was named to the "Who's Who Among American High School Students." She is president of the National Honor Society, class vice president and student council treasurer. Kristen participates in choir and musicals, and she is a two-year captain and MVP of the volleyball team. She is a volunteer Sunday School teacher and junior high volleyball coach, as well as a participant in Relay for Life and the Caring Angels Program. Kristen’s father, Ronald Hasychak, works in the central maintenance department at Butler Works.
Jandi Heagen, daughter of Mike and Becky Heagen of Zanesville, Ohio.
Jandi, a home schooled student, is a PSAT Merit Scholar, a nominee for the National Society for High School Scholars, devotional leader of Junior Leaders and a piano and violin player. She has received awards in speech and science, and is a nine-year member of the 4-H Club. She participates in community theater, TeenPact, ski club and indoor soccer. Jandi is actively involved with her church, volunteering as a teacher’s assistant, retreat volunteer and fund-raiser. She has also been a camp counselor for Super Kids. Jandi’s father, Mike Heagan, works in the processing department at Zanesville Works.
Tommy Holland, son of Tim and Kim Holland of Eaton, Ohio.
Tommy graduates from Eaton High School where he is a Southwestern Buckeye League Scholar Athlete. He is a Rotary Club Scholar and member of the National Honor Society and student council. He is a varsity athlete on the swim and soccer teams, drama club treasurer, steel band section leader and senior editor of the yearbook. He is also French Club president. Tommy is actively involved with the 4-H Club and president of “Students Living as Mentors.” He is a Big Brothers, Big Sisters, Humane Society and Cystic Fibrosis Foundation volunteer. Tommy’s father, Tim Holland, works in the energy and utilities department at Middletown Works.
Thomas Huth, son of James and Beverly Huth of Zanesville, Ohio.
Thomas graduates from Zanesville High School where he was selected to attend the Martin W. Essex School for the Gifted program. He is a scholar musician, president of the foreign language club, student council treasurer and a member of the National Honor Society. He is a Times Recorder Academic All-Star, section leader for the marching and symphonic bands - and a member of the symphonic choir. Thomas was a volunteer during the 2006 state elections and is active with church and community youth foundation activities. Thomas’