Twenty Selected to Receive AK Steel Sons and Daughters Scholarships

MIDDLETOWN, Ohio, May 12 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- AK Steel today announced that twenty sons and daughters of AK Steel employees have been selected to receive the company's 2006 college scholarship awards. The scholarships are worth a maximum of $16,000 each and are funded by the AK Steel Foundation. Scholarship recipients are selected by an independent academic panel based solely upon academic merit and non-academic achievements.

"Congratulations to our outstanding group of 2006 AK Steel scholars," said James L. Wainscott, chairman, president and CEO of AK Steel. "Each one has excelled academically, as well as in service to their school and community. We are proud to recognize them for their past achievements and for their future potential."

Recipients of the 2006 AK Steel Sons and Daughters Scholarships are:

Christopher Blevins, son of Rita Blevins and the late Ronnie Blevins, of Middletown, Ohio. Christopher graduates from Middletown High School where he is a member of the National Honor Society, president of the Spanish National Honor Society, and participated in the post-secondary education program at Miami University Middletown. He is editor of the school yearbook and has been active in marching, jazz and show choir combo bands and thespians. He volunteered for All-American Weekend, Dream Center, MiddFest, music boosters and as a tutor. Ronnie Blevins worked in the mobiles, shops and maintenance technology department at Middletown Works.

Connor Chee, son of Tex and Mary Chee of Cincinnati, Ohio. Connor graduated from the Cincinnati School for Creative and Performing Arts where he was a member of National Honor Society, on the Honor Roll and a student ambassador. He was selected for the dean's list as a post secondary student at the University of Cincinnati and is now attending the Eastman School of Music at the University of Rochester. He has participated in Drama club, a college summer science program and various local and world piano competitions. He has volunteered for the Hamilton County Park Service and has performed piano recitals at a number of nursing and retirement homes and hospitals. Tex Chee works in the mobiles, shops and maintenance technology department at Middletown Works.

Michelle Cox, daughter of Mark Cox of Hamilton, Ohio and Mary Ann Crease of Middletown, and step-daughter of David Crease of Middletown. Michelle graduates from Bishop Fenwick High School where she is president of National Honor Society, a member of the Latin Honor Society, a National Merit finalist, and a recipient of the Bausch and Lomb Honorary Science award, first honors and academic achievement certificates, and Pro Merito medal. She was captain of the swim team, president of the Latin club, and participated in the Hugh O'Brian Youth Leadership program, Key, Spanish and Drama clubs, and the academic and Muse Machine teams. She volunteered as a teaching assistant and at a retirement community and animal welfare organization. David Crease works in the quality department at Middletown Works.

Joseph Day, son of Timothy and Maureen Day of West Chester, Ohio. Joseph graduates from Lakota East High School where he is a member of the National Honor Society and on the High Honor Roll. He was selected to attend the American Legion's Buckeye Boys State program and received student awards from the Rotary club, Edward Jones and Jersey Mikes. He was chairman of both the Multicultural club and Ohio Energy Project, and was a board member for the Hawk Ambassadors and a member of the yearbook staff. He volunteered for a number of school activities including the craft fair, blood drive, after-prom committee and Relay for Life. He served as a tutor, mentor, office aide and teacher's aide. Timothy Day works in the manufacturing planning department at Middletown Works.

Matthew Feder, son of Harold and June Feder of Butler, Pennsylvania. Matthew graduates from Butler Area Senior High School where he is president of the National Honor Society. He received the Gold Academic Achievement award and National Merit Scholarship commendation, and won the VFW Voice of Democracy essay contest. He participated in marching, symphonic and jazz bands, indoor and outdoor track, Spanish club, Rube Goldberg competition and Youth and Government. Mathew volunteered for the BAMA Auction, Butler Symphony, Meals on Wheels and the American Association of University Women's book sale, and he did lawn care and home maintenance for elderly neighbors. Harold Feder works in the quality department at Butler Works.

Elyse Gabel, daughter of Frank and Kathy Gabel of Mason, Ohio. Elyse graduates from William Mason High School where she is a member of the National Honor Society and a National Merit Commended Scholar. She received Academic Letter awards, Outstanding Student awards for biology and for best sellers and economic history, Rotary Student of the Month award, Academic All-Ohio award, and the Coach's award in football cheerleading. She was a state qualifier in Bel Canto choir and participated in cheerleading, indoor and outdoor track, honors concert choir and student government. Elyse volunteered for the St. Susanna festival, Center for Youth Empowerment, Red Cross and as a tutor. Frank Gabel works in the sales and customer service department in the Cincinnati area.

Jennifer Gault, daughter of Brian and Marion Gault of New Miami, Ohio. Jennifer graduates from New Miami High School where she is president of National Honor Society, a member of the Spanish Honor Society and on the Honor Roll. She received the Highest GPA award and Positive Student award, was selected for All-League Basketball, and completed post secondary classes at Miami University Hamilton. She was editor of the school newspaper, a member of the yearbook staff, newscast anchor and teacher's aide and she participated in basketball, student council and the drug-free group. Jennifer volunteered for the YMCA. Brian Gault works in the south coating maintenance department at Middletown Works.

Kayla Hamilton, daughter of Timothy Hamilton of Middletown and Karen Hamilton of Carlisle, Ohio and step-daughter of Connie Hamilton of Middletown. Kayla graduates from Madison Junior/Senior High School where she is a member of National Honor Society and is on the Honor Roll and Principal's List. She received High Honors along with the Top Twenty award, Math award, Scholar Athlete award and Student of the Month award. She was a member of the newspaper and yearbook staffs, and participated in Spanish club, concert and pep bands, school plays, student council, thespians, cheer leading, dance team, Youth Alive and Fellowship of Christian Athletes. She volunteered for Dream Center, Freedom Court Ministry, Relay for Life and her church's Vacation Bible School, and she served on a mission trip to Chicago. Timothy Hamilton works in the south annealing department at Middletown Works.

Jeremiah Haywood, son of William Haywood of South Portsmouth, Kentucky and Linda Haywood of South Shore, Kentucky. Jeremiah graduates from Greenup County High School where he is on the Honor Roll and a member of the academic team. He was active in student government, Future Business Leaders of America, baseball, soccer, and the Beta, Drama, Mock Trial and Poetry clubs. His community volunteer efforts included E-Waste, a project to fix computers and donate them to homeless and migrant families, the Hurricane Katrina Relief Effort, and providing firewood for the elderly. He served as a peer tutor, math tutor and laboratory aide. Linda Haywood works in the finishing department of Ashland Works.

Elizabeth Keasey, daughter of Ashley and Rosemary Keasey of Butler, Pennsylvania. Elizabeth graduates from Butler Area Senior High School where she is a member of the National Honor Society, on the Honor Roll and received Gold Academic Achievement awards. She also received a National Merit Scholarship commendation, Junior Miss scholastic achievement award, Maxima Cum Laude on national Latin exams, special recognition on national Mythology exams, and was named to the United States Achievement Academy for Foreign Language. She was co-captain of the Sequinette dance team and participated in student council, Latin club, symphonic and jazz bands and all-school musicals. She volunteered for Caring Angels, BAMA Auction, Dunbar Community Center and Lifesteps. Ashley Keasey works in the quality department at Butler Works.

Herbert Klann, son of Robert and Jean Klann of Butler, Pennsylvania. Herbert graduates from Butler Area Senior High School where he is a member of the National Honor Society, on the High Honor Roll and received Gold Academic Achievement awards and scholar-athlete awards. He was senior leader of the basketball team and president of the German club. Active in his church, Herbert is president of the youth group, captain of the church league basketball team, and served as a camp counselor for vacation Bible school. He volunteered for numerous other church and community organizations and activities including the Rotary club and Caring Angels. Robert Klann works in the melt shop at Butler Works.

Kori Latham, daughter of Robert and Wanda Latham of Coshocton, Ohio. Kori graduates from Coshocton High School where she is a member of the National Honor Society and on the Honor Roll. She received the Principal's award and outstanding Spanish student award. She was named to the dean's list for post- secondary studies at Kent State University. Kori participated in volleyball, student government, Spanish club and Future Creative Career Leaders of America, and was a computer lab, special education and guidance office aide. She volunteered as a tutor and with the Coshocton Youth Foundation. In addition, she headed an Iraqi War donation drive and participated in a clothing drive for victims of Hurricane Katrina. Wanda Latham works in the sales and customer service department at Coshocton Works.

Douglas Pichler, son of William and Deborah Pichler of Butler, Pennsylvania. Douglas graduates from Butler Area Senior High School where he is a member of National Honor Society and an AP Scholar. He participated in marching and jazz bands, all-school musical orchestra and was selected for the Butler County Band. He also was active in tennis, Latin club, yearbook staff and Equations team. Douglas volunteered for the Butler Symphony, American Association of University Women's book sale, Dunbar Community Center, Rotary club, Caring Angels and National Education Week, and he is active in his church. William Pichler works in the melting and casting maintenance department at Butler Works.

Jonathan Rakes, son of John and Melinda Rakes of Catlettsburg, Kentucky. Jonathan graduates from Boyd County High School where he is on the Honor Roll and received the All-American Scholar award, USAA International Foreign Language award and Governor's Scholars certificate of recognition. He has been accepted into the Honors Leadership program at Morehead State University. He participated in baseball and basketball, along with the Beta and Science clubs. Jonathan volunteered for Big Brothers/Big Sisters, clothing drives for needy families in Kentucky and Hurricane Katrina victims, helping elderly individuals, Salvation Army and others. John Rakes works in the ironmaking department at Ashland Works.

Dion Roberts, son of Gregory and Rosemary Roberts of Fairfield, Ohio. Dion graduates from Saint Xavier High School where he is a member of the National Honor Society and Spanish National Honor Society and a National Merit Commended Scholar. He was named to the First Honor Roll and received academic awards in Spanish and Math. He was a peer tutor, member of the student newspaper staff, and participated in cross country, track and basketball. He is active in his church as a lector for Sunday Mass. He also volunteered for canned food drives and various activities for his school. Gregory Roberts works in the galvanizing department at Middletown Works.

Sarah Schubert, daughter of David Schubert of Prospect, Pennsylvania and Dianne Maihle of Butler, Pennsylvania, and step-daughter of Fred Maihle of Butler. Sarah graduates from Butler Area Senior High School where she is a member of the National Honor Society and a National Merit Commended Scholar. She has received a number of Pennsylvania Junior Academy of Science awards, Rachel Carson Book award, International Foreign Language award, National Latin Exam Gold awards, and the Model United Nations best delegate award. She was president of the Butler Junior Classical League and participated in the Pennsylvania Junior Classical League. Sarah volunteered for a therapeutic riding program for the handicapped and the Butler Memorial Hospital. David Schubert works in the melting and casting maintenance department at Butler Works.

Natalie Shane, daughter of Tim and Debra Shane of Trenton, Ohio. Natalie graduates from Ross High School where she is a member of the National Honor Society and a National Merit Scholar. She has received a number of academic achievement awards. She was president of the Volunteer Advisory board, captain of the academic team, president of Earth club, and participated in the marching and concert bands and French club. Active in her church, she is president of the youth group, liturgist and children's church teacher. She volunteered for the Cincinnati Zoo and has trained and performed with the Cincinnati Ballet. Tim Shane works in the steelmaking department at Middletown Works.

Caitlin Siedlecki, daughter of George and Lynn Siedlecki of Perrysburg, Ohio. Caitlin graduates from Central Catholic High School where she is a member of National Honor Society, a Regent Scholar and on the Honor Roll. She has received the Raymond G. Kirsch Leadership and Service award and the All- City Academic award. She has been active in class council, student standards committee, cheerleading, science fair, spring musical, spiritual commission, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and the Glee, Spanish and Physics clubs. Caitlin has been a peer tutor and mentor and she volunteered for American Cancer Society and for various church activities. George Siedlecki works in the finance department at AK Tube, a wholly-owned subsidiary of AK Steel, in Walbridge, Ohio.

Kyla Tolliver, daughter of Robert and Anita Prater of Greenup, Kentucky. Kyla graduates from Greenup County High School and is a Kentucky Governor's Scholar. She is on the Honor Roll and has received numerous academic honors including All-American Scholar award, National Honor Roll award, USAA National Science award, Class of Kentucky award and Elks Teenager of the Month award. She is president of the Future Business Leaders of America and participated in student government, volleyball, soccer, Governor's Cup team, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and the Beta and Pep clubs. She is president of the 4-H club, active in Girl Scouts, and volunteered for many community groups including the Bellefonte Hospital and Unite-to-Read program. Robert Prater works in the finishing department of Ashland Works.

Phillip (Cory) Wolfe, son of Phillip and Sherry Wolfe of Grayson, Kentucky. Cory graduates from East Carter County High School where he is senior class president. His academic honors include All-American Scholar award, Senior Salute award, USAA National Leadership Merit award and Academic All-State honors. He was captain of the soccer team and president of the French club. He also participated in the Beta club, Teens for Christ, Fellowship of Christian Athletes and Champions Against Drugs. Active in his church, Cory is music leader for the youth service and a guitarist for the worship service. He also volunteered at the Morehead Juvenile Correctional

Facility and for hospice. Phillip Wolfe works in the steelmaking department of Ashland Works.

In addition, Rebecca Hartsock, son of Larry and Jane Hartsock of Coshocton, Ohio, was originally selected to receive an AK Steel scholarship. Rebecca subsequently was awarded a full scholarship to The College of Wooster, making her ineligible for the AK Steel scholarship. Rebecca graduates from River View High School where she is a member of National Honor Society, on the Honor Roll, and received the USAA National Honor Student award, Bausch & Lomb Honorary Science award, River View Booster Academic Achievement award and Certificate of Excellence. During her senior year of high school she attended classes at Ohio University-Zanesville where she was on the Honors List. She participated in basketball, cross country, softball, A Capella choir, Pep band, Letterman's club and volleyball. She has also been active in her church and 4-H club, and participated in a number of community service projects. Larry Hartsock works in the cold rolling department of Coshocton Works.

Headquartered in Middletown, Ohio, AK Steel produces flat-rolled carbon, stainless and electrical steel products, as well as carbon and stainless tubular steel products, for automotive, appliance, construction and manufacturing markets.