2016 Area Scholarship WinnersMatthew Jacob Koch, son of Stephen and Helena Garansi, is recipient of the 2016 Marilyn Iverson Memorial award. The award, named in honor of a former AAFES chief operating officer, is given to the top candidate for outstanding academic achievement

and community involvement.

Matthew, who enters college this fall for a music education degree, was valedictorian at Danville High School in Danville Ala. He was a member of the Senior National Honor Society and Beta Club International. Recognized as an Alabama All-State Musician, Matthew was a member of his school’s marching, concert and jazz bands. He was a wildlife rehabilitation volunteer and a skeet-range manager at Fort Rucker, Ala.

Zania J. Sterling, the recipient of a $5,000 AREA scholarship, is the daughter of Allan and Stacie Sterling. She aims to get a sports management, event planning and entrepreneurship degree. Zania attended Ramstein American High School in Germany, where was

recognized with the Presidential Gold Volunteer Service Award, Principal’s Award for Honor Roll and National Youth Leadership Achievement Award. Zania was a member of the varsity softball squad, cheerleading team, the National Honor Society and Spanish Honor Society. She served as a volunteer with the Student to Student program.

Kelsey Leigh Robuck is the daughter of Greg and Martha Robuck. With a $3,000 AREA scholarship, Kelsey will seek a political science degree. At Ursuline Academy in Dallas, she was the summa cum laude honor graduate, a member of the First Honor Roll

and a National Spanish First Silver Medalist. Kelsey was a National Honor Society member; president and founder of the Woman’s Liberation Club; and member of the student’s Reach Out club and swim team.

She served as vacation Bible study volunteer at her church and classroom assistant at Thomas Aquinas Elementary School.

Eric Joshua Garcia, son of Ronaldo and Melany Garcia, received a $3,000 AREA scholarship. Eric will seek degrees in biology and computer science after graduating from the Academy of Health Sciences, in Largo, Md. He was a member of the National Honor

Society Collegiate Scholars and made the honor roll and dean’s list. Eric served as vice president of the pre-health professional group and as a member of Mu Alpha Theta Math Honor Society and Phi Theta Kappa. He volunteered as a vacation Bible school aide, a Pathfinder Scout aide and at Medstar Southern Maryland Hospital Center.

Marissa Brennan, daughter of Kyle Harris, received a $3,000 AREA scholarship, which she plans to use to pursue a chemical engineering career. At Kennedale High School in Kennedale, Texas, she was a member of the Key Club and served as class president and

student council member. She was a member of the National Honor Society and National Spanish Honor Society. Marissa, an all-district volleyball player, also excelled at soccer. Marilla earned recognition as a National Merit Scholar and as National Hispanic Scholar.

Gina Mancinelli will pursue a nursing degree. Gina, recipient of a $3,000 AREA scholarship, is daughter of Richard and Cresilia Mancinelli. At Keys Gate Charter High School in Homestead, Fla., Gina was recognized as Student of the Year in AICE Biology and

received the Certificate in Science and City of Homestead Academic Award. She was a member of the varsity softball, soccer and swim teams. She also volunteered at Homestead Hospital, where she established a children’s library.

Riley Michelle Cloud enters college this fall to pursue a psychology degree. Riley, who received a $3,000 AREA scholarship, is the daughter of Robin Cloud. While attending Lake Ridge High School in Mansfield Texas, she was a member of the National Honor

Society, recognized as an Advanced Placement Scholar and was given the Teacher’s Choice award. Riley was a band leader and member of the varsity concert and marching bands. She gave back to the community by volunteering at Mission Arlington and entertaining nursing home residents.

Caitlin Leigh Calandria, who received a $3,000 AREA scholarship, will pursue a chemical engineering degree. The daughter of Jorge and Laura Calandria attended Martin High School in Arlington, Texas. She was a member of the National Honor Society, National Spanish

Honor Society, National Science Honor Society and Wind Symphony Orchestra. She played with the Arlington Youth Symphony Orchestra and mentored at-risk children and teens.

Brendan Robert King, son of Michael James and Ann Louise King, received a $3,000 AREA scholarship. Brendan will seek an early childhood development and education degree. At Lovejoy High School in Lucas, Texas, he was a member of the National Honor

Society and a recipient of a “Superior Ratings, Choir UIL Solo & Ensemble” at regional competition. Brendan played varsity soccer and sang in the school’s varsity choir. The Eagle Scout volunteered as a classroom aide for special education children.

Samuel Calkins will seek a political science degree. The son of Timothy and Lori Calkins received a $3,000 AREA scholarship. At Bowie High School in Arlington, Texas, Samuel was National Honor Society member and captain of the debate and academic decathlon

teams. He also served as student council member.

He was recognized as a state champion in debating technology issues. Samuel volunteered as assistant scoutmaster and with the Mission Arlington program.

Blake Anthony Buckley, the son of Michael and Constance Buckley, received a $3,000 AREA scholarship. Blake will seek psychology and education degrees. At Highlands Catholic School in Irving, Texas, Blake was a National Merit Scholarship Commended

Student and recipient of the President’s Education Award. He was a choir member and National Honor Society president. Blake volunteered at the North Texas Food Bank and as a math tutor. He served as a church youth volunteer.

Bryce Allen Bailey, who will seek a sports-medicine degree, is son of Joseph and Linda Bailey. He received a $3,000 AREA scholarship. At Lake Ridge High School in Mansfield, Texas, Blake was a member of the All-District 14-15 Academic Team and National Honor Society, served

as FFA vice president and played varsity football. He also volunteered with the Salvation Army Food Drive and built homes for veterans at Tinker AFB, Okla.