AK Steel Announces Company's 2012 Sons and Daughters Scholarship Recipients

WEST CHESTER, Ohio, May 3, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- AK Steel (NYSE: AKS) is continuing a longstanding tradition this year by awarding college scholarships to sons and daughters of company employees.  The awards recognize outstanding academic achievement, leadership and community involvement. 

"Earning an AK Steel scholarship speaks volumes about the students and families associated with our company," said James L. Wainscott, Chairman, President and CEO of AK Steel.  "We congratulate all of our recipients for their achievements, and applaud them for demonstrating the values that help make AK Steel a successful company."    

The Sons and Daughters scholarships are funded by the AK Steel Foundation and are worth a maximum $20,000 each.  The Middletown, Ohio Community Foundation independently selects each recipient.

2012 Scholarship Recipients:

• Jacob Bresciani, son of James and Carolyn Bresciani of Coshocton, Ohio.

Jacob attends Coshocton High School where he is vice president of both his class and the National Honor Society.  He is an Eagle Scout, a McDonald's "Eddie George Football Scholar" and a Wendy's High School Heisman Award finalist.  Jacob lettered in football and wrestling, and he received Academic All-Ohio Awards for both sports.  He also participated in baseball and track.  He is a member of student council, as well as the Spanish, Kiwanis, varsity and key clubs.  He is also a youth leadership program and Red Cross volunteer.  Jacob's father, James Bresciani, works in the information technology department at the company's Coshocton Works.

• Trent Brown, son of Jay and Kimberly Brown of Tell City, Indiana.

Trent attends Perry Central High School where he is a member of the National Honor Society and winner of the Trig-Star Competition.  He participates in Basketball, baseball and football, and is a recipient of the Wendy's High School Heisman Award.  Trent is treasurer of the key club and a member of the German, athletic and art clubs.  He also participates in Future Farmers of America and "We the Youth of Perry County" – a community leadership training program.  He is also a Big Brothers, Big Sisters, United Way and church volunteer.  Trent's father, Jay Brown, works in the annealing and pickling department at the company's Rockport Works.

• Brendan Camp, son of Gary and Debra Camp of Butler, Pennsylvania.

Brendan attends Butler Senior High School where he is vice president of both his class and the National Honor Society.  He attended the National Student Leadership Conference at Northwestern University, where he received the award for "Most Promising" leader.  He is also the recipient of several awards for academic achievement.  Brendan lettered in cross country, track and inline hockey, and is a member of student council and Spanish club.  He is a Lighthouse Foundation and Special Olympics volunteer.  His father, Gary Camp, works in the melting, casting and refractory services department at the company's Butler Works.

• Nichole deJesu, daughter of Marcos and Jo deJesu of Coshocton, Ohio.

Nichole attends Coshocton High School where she is an honor student and president of the National Honor Society.  She has also been recognized as an Elk's "Teen of the Month."  She is captain of the volleyball and basketball teams, and has lettered in volleyball, basketball and softball.  Nichole is president of the art club and a member of key club and the sportsmanship committee.  She is a Special Olympics, pancake day and art workshop volunteer.  She is also a "Friends of the Park" cleanup volunteer.  Her father, Marcos deJesu, works in the annealing and conditioning department at the company's Coshocton Works.

• Casey Dudek, daughter of Russell and Linda Dudek of Prospect, Pennsylvania.

Casey attends Slippery Rock Area High School where she is president of the National Honor Society and a Pittsburgh Tribune North "Outstanding Citizen" gold medalist.  She is CEO of the Extreme Leadership program and a Keystone Girls State delegate.  Casey lettered in soccer and participates in track.  She also participates in the gifted club, band, orchestra, school musicals and Teens Against Drugs and Alcohol.  She is an altar server and a Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation volunteer.  Casey's father, Russell Dudek, works in the environmental affairs department at the company's Butler Works.

• Kyle Hinchberger, son of Troy and Joann Hinchberger of Prospect, Pennsylvania.

Kyle attends Slippery Rock Area High School where he is an honor student and member of the National Honor Society.  He participates in the gifted program and the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards program, and is a Keystone Boys State delegate.  He is a member of the varsity soccer team and an academic games competitor.  He also participates in mock trial.  Kyle is a Habitat for Humanity, Legacy for Life, Meals on Wheels and church program volunteer.  He is also a school tutor and community cleanup volunteer.  Kyle's father, Troy Hinchberger, works in the melting, casting and refractory services department at the company's Butler Works.

• Joshua Hutson, son of David Hutson of Middletown, Ohio and Jennifer Henderson of Franklin, Ohio.

Joshua attends Middletown Christian School where he is treasurer of both his class and the National Honor Society.  He is a recipient of the Honda-Ohio State University math medal, the president's award for academic excellence and several Math Olympics awards.  Joshua is co-captain of the varsity basketball team and a member of the speech team.  He also participates in drama club.  He is a Special Olympics, Atrium Medical Center, Middletown Senior Center and church volunteer.  Joshua's father, David Hutson, works in the hot strip maintenance department at the company's Middletown Works.

• Chelsea Kennedy, daughter of Donovan Kennedy and Julie Kennedy of Grand Rapids, Ohio.

Chelsea graduated from Otsego High School where she was a member of the National Honor Society and a recipient of the president's award for outstanding academic excellence.  She also received the award of merit and the outstanding musician award.  Chelsea was captain of the cheerleading squad.  She also participated in honors choir, women's octet and high school musicals.  She was an apple butter festival, Grand Rapids Elementary School and church volunteer, as well as a youth cheerleading instructor.  Chelsea's mother, Julie Kennedy, works in the human resources department at AK Tube LLC in Walbridge, Ohio.

• Brianne Kincaid, daughter of H.B. and Darcy Kincaid of Springboro, Ohio.

Brianne attends Springboro High School where she is an honor student, scholar athlete and member of the National Honor Society.   She is captain of the varsity swim team, and she participates in student council, Junior Leadership Dayton, Students against Destructive Decisions, yearbook staff, muse machine and high school musicals.  Brianne is a nursing home, food pantry and Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation volunteer.  She also participates in vacation Bible school and is a volunteer swim coach.  Brianne's father, H.B. Kincaid, works in the steelmaking department at the company's Middletown Works.

• Trevor Kronk, son of Kevin and Sheila Kronk of Franklin Furnace, Ohio.

Trevor attends Green High School where he is an Eagle Scout, honor student, member of the National Honor Society and a Shawnee State University presidential scholar.  He is a member of the golf and baseball teams, and is section leader of the marching band.  Trevor also participates in jazz band, all-county band, all-district band and both the Morehead State and Marshall University honor bands.  He is also active in Spanish club and quiz bowl.  Trevor is a youth music instructor and volunteer math and reading tutor.  His father, Kevin Kronk, works in the steelmaking maintenance department at the company's Ashland Works.

• Dana McCurdy, daughter of Brian and Kathryn McCurdy of Butler, Pennsylvania.

Dana attends Butler Senior High School where she is a scholar athlete, member of the National Honor Society, president of the 4-H club and a recipient of her school's academic achievement award.  She lettered in soccer and is captain of the rifle team.  Dana is a member of several string orchestras, and she holds the lead position in strolling strings.  She participates in Latin club, Junior Classical League, Spanish club and variety shows.  She is also a community cleanup, retirement home and vacation Bible school volunteer.  Dana's father, Brian McCurdy, works in the electronic services department at the company's Butler Works.

• Amy Mitch, daughter of Raymond and Carol Mitch of Butler, Pennsylvania.

Amy attends Butler Senior High School where she is a member of the National Honor Society and the National Society of High School Scholars.  She is a Rotary club essay contest winner, Carson scholar and a Leaders of Tomorrow finalist.  Amy participates in marching band, symphonic band, Junior Classical League, aquaettes and dance.  She is an altar server and community dinner worker, as well as a hospice, Caring Angels, St. Vincent De Paul and Knights of Columbus volunteer.  Amy's father, Raymond Mitch, works in the melting, casting and refractory services department at the company's Butler Works.

• Kaelyn Potter, daughter of Richard and Tina Potter of Catlettsburg, Kentucky.

Kaelyn attends Boyd County High School where she was named to "Who's Who Among American High School Students."  She is a  member of the National Honor Society and a recipient of the distinguished leader award.  Kaelyn is captain of the varsity soccer team, and she participates in track, key club, beta club, Family, Career and Community Leaders of America and Future Farmers of America.  She is also a Ronald McDonald House, animal shelter, Special Olympics, VA Hospital, Kiwanis and food drive volunteer.  Her father, Richard Potter, works in the steelmaking maintenance department at the company's Ashland Works.

• Shloka Raghavan, daughter of Kavesary and Jayalakshmi Raghavan of West Chester, Ohio.

Shloka graduated from the Texas Academy of Match and Science where she was a National Merit Scholar and a member of the National Honor Society.  She participated in all-region band, Indian classical dance and the Nanoexplorers Program at the University of Texas, Dallas, and was the recipient of several science and music awards.  She also earned summer research scholarships to the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center and received the Gold Cord award for her work as a music tutor.  Shloka's father, Kavesary Raghavan, works in the company's product research and applications engineering department in Middletown.

• Emily Stamper, daughter of Glenn and Pamela Stamper of Middletown, Ohio.

Emily attends Middletown Christian School where she is a distinguished honor student, president of the National Honor Society and a member of the President's Education Awards Program.  She is student council secretary and a recipient of several awards for academic excellence.  Emily participates in school plays, band and speech meet.  She is a vacation Bible school and Big Brothers, Big Sisters volunteer, as well as a camp counselor, nursery worker and church student ministry team leader.  Emily's father, Glenn Stamper, works in the aluminizing department at the company's Middletown Works.

• Dylan Steffey, son of Paul and Lisa Steffey of West Alexandria, Ohio.

Dylan attends Twin Valley South High School where he is a member of the National Honor Society and a recipient of the Honda-Ohio State University math medal, the Preble County academic award and the Rotary Club honors award.  He participates in football, basketball, track, French club, quiz team, science club, concert band, school plays, student council and Students Against Destructive Decisions.  Dylan is a fundraiser for cancer research, and he participates in blood drives, food drives and community cleanup activities.  His father, Paul Steffey, works in the cold strip maintenance department at the company's Middletown Works.

• Rhea Sublett, daughter of David Sublett of Cincinnati, Ohio and Barbara Short of Franklin, Ohio – step daughter of Aaron Short.

Rhea attends Franklin High School where she is a member of the National Honor Society and a National Merit Scholar finalist.  She is a recipient of the Honda-Ohio State University math medal and the Swiss Star award.  Rhea participates in volleyball, softball, link crew, envirothon and Junior Achievement.  She is president of the 4-H club and vice president of the French club.  She is also a Warren County junior fair board member, a volunteer camp counselor and a Relay for Life participant.  Rhea's step father, Aaron Short, works in the steelmaking department at the company's Middletown Works.

• Eric Sutthoff, son of Lawrence and Karen Sutthoff of Harrison, Ohio.

Eric attends William Henry Harrison High School where he is an Eagle Scout and a member of the National Honor Society.  He is a recipient of the pre-calculus award and the PTA commitment to character award.  Eric participates in jazz band, marching band, pep band, student council, Physics is Phun, the Ohio Energy Project, Spanish club, key club and the Science Olympiad.  He is a food pantry and Kiwanis volunteer, and he participates in the Crosby Township Reindeer Romp.  Eric's father, Lawrence Sutthoff, works in the purchasing and transportation department at AK Steel's corporate headquarters.

• Jacob Whann, son of Victor and Robin Whann of Butler, Pennsylvania.

Jacob attends Butler Senior High School where he is a member of both the National Honor Society and the National Society of High School Scholars.  He is a recipient of several athletic awards, as well as the academic achievement, high honors and gold scholastic awards.  Jacob is captain of the ice hockey team and a member of the golf and Lacrosse teams.  He participates in the Stand Tall Drug Free program and is treasurer of the Japanese club.  He is also a Special Olympics, Habitat for Humanity and soup kitchen volunteer.  Jacob's father, Victor Whann, works in the cold mill roll grinding department at the company's Butler Works.

• Max Williams, son of John Williams and Renee Filiatraut of Cincinnati, Ohio.

Max attends the Summit Country Day School where he is a member of the National Honor Society, an AP scholar with distinction and a national achievement finalist.  He is captain of the football team and a member of the baseball and basketball teams.  He is also a member of the student senate and the diversity and inclusion team.  Max is a four-time city debate champion, and he participates in mock trial.  He also participates in the leadership scholars program as a youth mentor and is a Meals on Wheels volunteer.  Max's mother, Renee Filiatraut, works in the legal department at AK Steel's corporate headquarters.   

In addition, Jordan Keeton, son of Spencer and Kimberly Keeton of Flatwoods, Kentucky, was originally selected to receive an AK Steel scholarship.  Jordan subsequently accepted a full scholarship from an accredited university, making him ineligible to receive the funds that would have otherwise been provided by the AK Steel scholarship.  Jordan attends Russell High School where he is a member of the National Honor Society and a National Merit Scholar finalist.  He is a Kentucky Governor's scholar, as well as a science, writing and Spanish academic team champion.  Jordan is captain of the varsity baseball team and a member of the cross country and basketball teams.  He also participates in key club, mock trial and student government.  He is a Safe Harbor and domestic violence center volunteer, as well as a youth baseball instructor and food drive participant.  Jordan's father, Spencer Keeton, works in the steelmaking maintenance department at the company's Ashland Works.

AK Steel

AK Steel produces flat-rolled carbon, stainless and electrical steels, primarily for automotive, infrastructure and manufacturing, construction and electrical power generation and distribution markets.  The company employs about 6,200 men and women in Middletown, Mansfield, Coshocton and Zanesville, Ohio; Butler, Pennsylvania; Ashland, Kentucky; Rockport, Indiana; and its corporate headquarters in West Chester, Ohio.  Additional information about AK Steel is available on the company's web site at www.aksteel.com.

AK Tube LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of AK Steel, employs about 300 men and women in plants in Walbridge, Ohio and Columbus, Indiana.  AK Tube produces carbon and stainless electric resistance welded (ERW) tubular steel products for truck, automotive and other markets.  Additional information about AK Tube LLC is available on its web site at www.aktube.com.   

AK Coal Resources, Inc., another wholly-owned subsidiary of AK Steel, owns or leases metallurgical coal reserves in Somerset County, Pennsylvania.  AK Steel also owns 49.9% of Magnetation LLC, a joint venture headquartered in Grand Rapids, Minnesota, which produces iron ore concentrate from previously mined ore reserves. 

SOURCE AK Steel