12 Children of Exchange Associates Earn AREA Scholarships Totaling $40,000

The AAFES Retired Employees Association (AREA) Scholarship Program is funded through donations by generous benefactors. Each year, AREA awards $40,000 in scholarships to graduating seniors attending school in the fall. Scholarships are awarded based on the applicant’s scholastic honors and other recognition, school and outside activities, hobbies and special talents, letters of recommendation and an essay.

This was the first year AREA offered scholarships to technical schools, trade schools and community colleges, but it did not receive any qualified applications. Of the 30 university applications reviewed, two $5,000 and ten $3,000 scholarships were awarded.

Since the scholarship program began in 1985, AREA has awarded almost $908,000 to nearly 400 students.

The $5,000 scholarship winners are:

Lauren Brett, daughter of Kevin Brett, headquarters PAR manager. Lauren will attend Texas A&M University this fall, seeking a biomedical science degree. While attending Arlington High School, she was ranked in the top 2% of her class. She was the secretary of student government for her senior class and a member of the National Honor Society. She was a regional qualifier with the varsity golf team and a volunteer at Mission Arlington. Her goal is to become a radiologist.

Brooke Sydlik, daughter of Fort Benning Exchange General Manager Don Sydlik. Brooke will attend Auburn University, studying finance and economics as well as pre-law. Brooke was the valedictorian of Glenwood High School and the captain of the varsity girls soccer team. She is a member of the National Honor Society and the Beta Club and is the senior class treasurer. Brooke volunteered at the Humane Society and worked on a senatorial campaign. She plans to pursue a law degree.

The $3,000 scholarship winners are:

Shannon Lewis, the daughter of Cynthia Lewis, Allocation Planning manager at HQ. She will attend Tennessee State University and major in biology and health science. Shannon is a member of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society and the National Honor Society and is president of the Dallas NAACP Youth Council. She has a Community Service Award and was recognized as a Leaders of Tomorrow Rising Star. Shannon will pursue a career in medicine.

Abigail Trapp, the daughter of Jay Trapp, Corporate Policy specialist at HQ. Abigail will attend Texas Tech University, majoring in animal science. Active in the dance team, musical theater and a volunteer at the Dallas Zoo, she also achieved the highest academic ranking at Cedar Hill Preparatory Academy. She is a member of Phi Theta Kappa and received an outstanding academic award at Mountain View College. Abigail wants to become a veterinarian.

Paul Maskery, son of Col. Scott Maskery, commander, Pacific Region. Paul will study civil engineering at the Citadel in the fall.  He played golf, soccer and football at Kadena High School and participated in the DoDEA Far East Wrestling Tournaments. He received an all-academic athletic award for golf. Paul was on the Principal’s Honor Roll with a grade-point average of 4.0 or above and a member of the National Honor Society. Paul will pursue a career in the Air Force.

Tiffany Hwang, the daughter of Tsen Hwang, business analyst at HQ Merchandising/Customer Experience. Tiffany plans to study economics at Barnard College. While at East Plano High School, Tiffany earned the President’s Silver Volunteer Service Award, the National Speed and Debate Association All-American Award and was the fourth-place state finalist in the Business Professionals of America. She was in the all-region orchestra, the National Honor Society and is a National AP Scholar. Tiffany wants to own a business that provides sustainable and affordable household goods.

Kaleb Berry, the son of Lakisha Berry, HQ technology operations manager. He will major in computer science at Texas A&M University. Kaleb is a National AP Scholar, a College Board National Recognition Scholar and earned an associate of science degree as a high school junior.  Kaleb is a member of the National Honor Society and Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society at Mountain View College.  He was on the varsity cross country and track-and-field teams. Kaleb volunteered at the Duncanville Public Library and Tigers Youth organization. Kaleb’s goal is to expand access to technology resources.

Madison Saunders, daughter of Greg Saunders, enterprise project manager at HQ. She will study nursing at Miami of Ohio. Madison was an SAT Advanced Placement Scholar with Distinction, a member of the National Honor Society as well as the National English and Science Honor Societies and Mu Alpha Theta, the Math Honors Society.  She ranked first at District and fifth at State Junior Classical League in Latin. Madison lettered in diving and participated in state Junior Olympic diving competitions.

Madison Brown, the daughter of Cedric Brown, HR policy manager at HQ. Madison will study psychology, focusing on deaf studies, at Texas Christian University. Madison is a member of the National Honor Society, was awarded the National African American Recognition Program, the teacher’s choice award and the AP Scholar with Distinction award.  She was an American Sign Language volunteer with the National Honor Society, the secretary of her church Youth Department and the president of her Girl Scout troop.

Hannah Chang, daughter of Suk Hwan Chang, financial analyst III at HQ. She will major in English at Baylor University. Hannah was awarded the President’s Volunteer Service Award, the AP Scholar with Distinction and is a member of the National Honor Society. She worked on her high school yearbook all four years and received a writing distinction award as sports editor and coverage manager. Hannah volunteered as a pianist at her church and as a teacher at the Greater Dallas Korean School. Hannah aspires to become a human-rights lawyer.

Natalie Murphy, daughter of Mark Murphy, senior graphic designer at HQ. Natalie will study political science at the University of Arkansas. She was awarded the Girl Scouts of America Silver Award, an Academic Excellence Award from Lake Highlands High School and Youth of the Month in March. Natalie was the senior lieutenant officer on the Highlandette Drill Team, a member of the National Honor Society and volunteered at the Refugee Outreach Program at her church. Natalie’s goal is to inspire and encourage youth awareness of politics.

Tad Barnes, son of Lt. Col. Shane Barnes, chief of plans for the Europe/Southwest Asia Region. Tad will major in outdoor recreation education at Western Colorado University and plans to pursue a master’s in environmental management. He is a member of the National Honor Society, on the Principal’s Honor Roll and an Eagle Scout. Tad was the student body president at Kaiserslautern High School and participated in the Model United Nations. He is a certified rescue diver, professional ski instructor and ran cross country and track and field. He wants to use his degree to advocate for environmental policy.