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. Of the 33 applications reviewed, two $5,000 and ten $3,000 scholarships were awarded.  Since the scholarship program began in 1985, AREA has awarded $907,795 to 395 students.

Marcus Metsala, son of Dan Metsala, retired senior vice president, is awarded the top $5,000 scholarship. Marcus has been accepted at several schools, including the University of Texas at Austin and Baylor, and is seeking a biomedical engineering degree. While attending Mansfield High School, he was ranked in the top 2% of his class. Marcus is a member of the National Honor Society and Vice President of the Key Club. He was instrumental in providing free online tutoring for students during the pandemic. His goal is to become a physician.

Jillian Moore, the daughter of Jason Moore, HQ Telecom chief, is also awarded a $5,000 scholarship. Jillian will attend the University of Texas at Austin studying neuroscience. Jillian is a member of the National Honor Society, an Advanced Placement Scholar, a staff writer on the school paper and a varsity wrestler at Coppell High School. She volunteered with Meals on Wheels and several community garden projects, and studies American Sign Language. Jillian plans to research the effects of drugs on human behavior and find solutions.

The $3,000 scholarship winners are:

Claire Anstey is the daughter of Judd Anstey, EVP/Chief Communication Officer at HQ. She plans to study dance at the University of Texas at Austin. Claire has served as the choreographer of musicals, is the captain of the dance team and senior class president. She is a member of the National Honor Society and the principal’s advisory council.

Emilee Burggraaf is the daughter of Joseph Burggraaf, the Hill Air Force Base Arby’s manager. She will attend Brigham Young University in Provo in the fall. She is an Advanced Placement Scholar with honors and was awarded the Math and Biology Student of the month. She serves on the youth city council and is active in her church. Emilee enjoys theater and dance. She was the stage manager for the Hunchback of Notre Dame and won second place in Latin smooth team ballroom dancing contest.

Kaitlin Castillo is the daughter of Arturo Castillo, inventory manager at HQ. She will major in journalism and marketing and has been accepted at New York University and the University of Texas Education in Austin. She is a member of both the National Honor Society and Science National Honor Society as well as Key Club. Kaitlin wants to use her degree to spread awareness and social progression.

Christopher Coker, son of James Coker, HQ profit optimization team, will major in mathematics at Texas A&M University. Christopher is a member of the National Honor Society, student leadership team and plays in the Allen Eagle marching band and Allen High School jazz band. He was the outstanding trombone soloist for the Coppell soloist competition. Christopher’s goal is to become an actuary.

Landry Combs is the daughter of David Combs, Procurement category manager at headquarters. Natalie will study kinesiology at the University of Texas at Tyler. She is on the Honor Roll and is the captain of the girls’ varsity soccer and was the Fort Worth Star-Telegram’s DFW goalkeeper of the year. Active in her church, she participated in Mission Arlington’s Thanksgiving dinner delivery. Natalie’s goal is to teach high school psychology and coach soccer.Zoe Critchlow is the daughter of Daniel Critchlow, operations manager at Fort Campbell. She will study audio production at Middle Tennessee State University. Zoe is vice president of the Key Club, secretary of Mu Alpha Theta and her class president. She is a member of the Clarksville Mayor’s Youth Council. Zoe’s goal is to combat misinformation, leading to more unified communication.

Abigail Dickinson is the daughter of Dan Dickinson, HQ Senior Project Manager of Major Construction. She will attend Texas A&M University and major in aerospace engineering. Abigail is a member of both the National Technical Honor Society and the National Honor Society. She won the Girl Scout Silver Award, plays volleyball and is interested in photography. Abigail will pursue a career in space exploration.

Alexander LaBass is the son of Richard LaBass, a systems administrator at headquarters. Alexander will attend Collin College to study cybersecurity. He is a member of Phi Theta Kappa and the National Honor Society and has earned an associate of arts degree at Dallas College in addition to his high school graduation. Alexander wants a career in protecting and securing information systems.

Elizabeth (Elle) Leines is the daughter of Jon Leines, senior project policy manager (MD-H) at headquarters. She will study occupational therapy and kinesiology at Colorado Christian University. Elle will graduate high school in three years and has earned 28 hours of college credit. She is active in her church and a competitive figure skater.

Seth Ramsey, the son of Derrick Ramsey, HQ Logistics technology manager, will study business administration and management at the Air Force Academy. He is a member of the National Honor Society and is the Maypearl High School student of the year. Seth plays varsity football, track and basketball and is a member of the marching band. He tutors students in English as a Second Language and is a member of the Civil Air Patrol.