• DALLAS
The Army & Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES) announced its National AAFES Retired Employees Association (AREA) Scholarship Program winners, and once again, the program stands as a testament to the organization’s dedication to fostering educational opportunities.
Established in 1985 through the philanthropic efforts of the Exchange’s retirees and active associates, the program has provided significant financial assistance, exceeding $1.027 million, to more than 430 graduating seniors.
Graduating high school seniors accepted to an accredited college or university are eligible for this program. Applicants must be children of active, retired or deceased AAFES U.S. payroll associates or military personnel assigned to the Exchange. Retired sponsors must be active AREA members.
The selection process, conducted by the Scholarship Review Board, employs a comprehensive approach, considering academic distinctions, participation in diverse activities, unique talents, letters of recommendation and applicant essays.
This rigorous evaluation ensures that scholarships are granted to accomplished and promising individuals, reflecting the National AREA’s commitment to empowering the next generation through recognition and financial support.
WINNERS
• Sydney Frigillana, daughter of Peter Frigillana, Corporate Communications specialist based here at headquarters, was awarded a $5,000 scholarship. She plans to attend the University of Texas at Austin to pursue a biology degree with the goal of becoming a sports therapist.
• Leah Chik, daughter of Wendy Yeh, headquarters pricing analyst, was awarded a $5,000 scholarship. She plans to attend the University of Texas at Austin to pursue a government degree, with aspirations to a double major in political science and international relations, ultimately becoming a lawyer.
• Alden Halanes, son of Edelyn Halanes, shift manager, Luke AFB, Ariz., Express, was awarded a $3,000 scholarship. He plans to attend Northern Arizona University to study nursing.
• Banks Ryan Buck, son of Michelle Buck, application systems analyst programming manager here at headquarters, was awarded a $3,000 scholarship. With this scholarship, Banks plans to pursue a degree in business finance and accounting at Dallas Baptist University.
• Erin McFarland, daughter of U.S. Army Col. (Ret.) Scott McFarland, former Europe/Southwest Asia Region commander, was awarded a $3,000 scholarship for her exceptional achievements. She is set to attend the University of Rhode Island to pursue a degree in elementary education.
• Gabriel Dacuycuy, son of Winston Dacuycuy, a warehouse worker foreman at the West Coast Distribution Center, was awarded a $3,000 scholarship. He intends to pursue nursing studies at San Joaquin Delta College.
• Kaan Yucel, who works at the Spangdahlem, Germany, Reel Time Skyline Theater, was awarded a $3,000 scholarship. He was accepted into the Barrett Honors program at Arizona State University, with his direction in computer science.
• Keira Konik, daughter of headquarters-based Information Technology (IT) Systems Analyst Robert Konik, was awarded a $3,000 scholarship. She will attend Navarro College to pursue a degree in cybersecurity.
• Krist Dela Cruz, son of Mary Joy Dela Cruz, a services business manager at the Nellis AFB, Nev., Exchange, was awarded a $3,000 scholarship. He will attend the University of Las Vegas (UNLV) to pursue a degree in criminal justice.
• Marielle Leenders, daughter of Julie Leenders, director, Credit Program Business Development, and the late Hardy Leenders, headquarters systems analyst, was awarded a $3,000 scholarship. She will attend Southern Illinois University to pursue a degree in mortuary science.
• Sarah Koglin, daughter of Cheri Koglin, Corporate Policy specialist, and Daniel Koglin, retired vice president (VP) of Hardlines based here at headquarters, was awarded a $3,000 scholarship. She plans to attend the University of Texas at Arlington to pursue a degree in astrophysics.
• Colton Griffith, son of David Griffith, Quality Assurance analyst here at headquarters, was awarded a $3,000 scholarship. He will attend the University of Arkansas, with plans to study marketing.
Source: AAFES
Edited by Larry Lapka
