AK Steel Announces Company's 2008 Sons and Daughters Scholarship Recipients

WEST CHESTER, Ohio, May 13 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- AK Steel is continuing a longstanding tradition this year by awarding college scholarships to sons and daughters of company employees. The awards recognize outstanding academic achievement, leadership and community involvement.

"Earning an AK Steel scholarship speaks volumes about the students and families associated with our company," said James L. Wainscott, AK Steel chairman, president and CEO. "We congratulate all of our recipients for their achievements - and applaud them for demonstrating the values that help make AK Steel a successful company."

The scholarships are funded by the AK Steel Foundation and are worth a maximum $20,000 each. The Middletown, Ohio Community Foundation independently selects each recipient.

2008 Scholarship Recipients:

-- Kaitlyn Allen, daughter of Kevin and Shari Allen of Summerville, Pennsylvania.

Kaitlyn attends Clarion-Limestone High School where she is a member of the National Honor Society and a recipient of the President's Education Award and National Science Merit Award. She is a member of the Spanish club, physics club and the reading competition team. She is drama club treasurer and front captain of the marching band. She also participates in dance and softball. Kaitlyn supports the National Multiple Sclerosis Society and develops canine assisted learning programs for Clarion-Limestone schools, libraries and nursing homes. Her father, Kevin Allen, works in the melt and cast maintenance department at Butler Works.

-- Christian Anderson, son of Erik and Theresa Anderson of Marion, Ohio.

Christian attends Marion Pleasant High School where he is a National Merit Commended Scholar and summa cum laude honor student. He is a member of the National Honor Society and recipient of the Honda Ohio State University Math Medal. Christian is an all state football player, captain of the basketball team and member of the baseball and track teams. He participates in high school musicals and is a volunteer youth basketball coach. He also participates in church youth group activities. Christian's father, Erik Anderson, is a manager at AK Tube LLC in Walbridge.

-- Christopher Arozarena, son of Anthony and Valerie Arozarena of Liberty Township, Ohio.

Christopher attends Lakota West High School where he is a member of the National Honor Society and the National Spanish Honor Society. He is a varsity tennis player, academic all conference scholar and recipient of the Lakota Elite Scholar Athlete Award. He also participates in the Miami University Multi Cultural Leadership Program, student government and Spanish club. Christopher supports the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and is a RASKALS volunteer. He is also a Spanish tutor. His father, Anthony Arozarena, works in the products and marketing department at AK Steel's Corporate Headquarters.

-- Sarah Clouse, daughter of William and Heidi Clouse of Wexford, Pennsylvania.

Sarah attends Pine-Richland High School where she was named to "Who's Who Among American High School Students." She is a member of GATE and the National Honor Society, as well as a Pittsburgh Tribune Review Young Citizen Award finalist. She also participates in cross-country, track and ski club. Sarah is section leader for the marching band and a member of the Allegheny honors band. She is a volunteer for the YMCA, Hearth Women's Shelter, St. Ferdinand Church, TRY and Meals on Wheels. Sarah's father, William Clouse, works in the quality department at Butler Works.

-- Kevin Enchelmeyer, son of Roger and Sally Enchelmeyer of Monroe, Ohio.

Kevin attends Monroe High School where he is a member of the National Honor Society, a Principal's List Award recipient and a scholar athlete. He is an all conference baseball player, a senior class officer, student council secretary and founder and the athletic spirit club. Kevin is also active with the student newspaper and prom committee. He is a school staff support volunteer and a freshman orientation assistant. He is also a youth baseball coach and Monroe Lending Library volunteer. Kevin's father, Roger Enchelmeyer, works in the employee benefits accounting department at AK Steel's Corporate Headquarters.

-- Cody Fleeger, son of William and Debra Fleeger of Butler, Pennsylvania.

Cody attends Butler Area Senior High School where he is a member of the National Honor Society, an AP scholar, high honor student and recipient of the Gold Certificate of Achievement. He is a varsity football and track athlete, as well as a two-time captain of the varsity basketball team. He is also a member of the Spanish and Latin clubs. Cody volunteers for Caring Angels fundraisers, Lifesteps, Inc. and Coats for Kids. He is also a youth basketball camp instructor and Butler junior basketball league coach. His father, William Fleeger, works in the coil warehouse at Butler Works.

-- Lauren Gabbard, daughter of Jodi Hall of Middletown, Ohio - step daughter of Kevin Hall of Middletown, Ohio.

Lauren attends Middletown High School where she is a member of the National Honor Society, German Honor Society and the Thespian Honor Society. She is thespian troupe president, German club president and a member of the National Forensics League. She is also a member of the speech and debate team, as well as the yearbook staff. Lauren has also held leading roles in Dinner Theatre and One Act Productions. She is active in church outreach programs and is a Middletown Summer Youth Theatre volunteer. She also participates in the "Trick or Treat So Kids Can Eat" program. Lauren's mother, Jodi Hall, works in the benefits department at Middletown Works.

-- Eli Johnson, son of Mark and Kim Johnson of Middletown, Ohio.

Eli attends Middletown High School where he is a three-time class president, a member of the National Honor Society and a Middie Star of the Month. He participates in school musicals, student government, history film club, Thespians, show choir, a cappella choir, Spanish club and volleyball. He also participates in the prom fashion show. Eli is actively involved with Junior Achievement, show choir Christmas performances, Hope House, Relay for Life and the Middletown senior citizen dinner. Eli's father, Mark Johnson, works in the hot strip mill maintenance department at Middletown Works.

-- Miles Kaltenbach, son of Gerald and Ursula Kaltenbach of Butler, Pennsylvania.

Miles attends Butler Area Senior High School where he is a member of the National Honor Society and recipient of the Gold Academic Achievement Award. He was invited to attend the National Student Leadership Conference, Lead America Conference and the Global Young Leaders Conference. He participates in the symphonic, jazz and marching bands, as well as the German and ski clubs. Miles is a Caring Angels volunteer, camp counselor and elementary student tutor. He is also active with church community projects. His father, Gerald Kaltenbach, works in the engineering department at Butler Works.

-- Maura Keasey, daughter of Ashley and Rosemary Keasey of Butler, Pennsylvania.

Maura attends Butler Area Senior High School where she is a member of the National Honor Society and the National Society of High School Scholars. She is a recipient of the Gold Academic Achievement Award and the Straight A's Award. She earned Maxima Cum Laude on the national Latin exam, and participates in student council, dance, Latin club, Junior Classical League, school musicals and symphonic band. She is a youth dance instructor, as well as a Caring Angles and Lifesteps, Inc. volunteer. She also supports St. Jude's Children's Hospital. Maura's father, Ashley Keasey, works in the inspection department at Butler Works.

-- Nicholas McCurdy, son of Brian and Kathryn McCurdy of Butler, Pennsylvania.

Nicholas attends Butler Area Senior High School where he is an honor student and recipient of the College Tech Prep Academic Achievement Award. He received advanced scores on the PSSA tests and was invited to attend the National Leadership Conference. He plays violin in the orchestra, Butler Strolling Strings and the Butler County String Symphonette. He is a varsity letterman on the rifle team and a member of the TV production staff and Spanish club. Nicholas is involved with the Side-by-Side mentoring program and Caring Angles. His father, Brian McCurdy, works in the electronic services department at Butler Works.

-- Jeffrey Mitch, son of Raymond and Carol Mitch of Butler Pennsylvania.

Jeffrey attends Butler Area Senior High School where he is a member of the National Honor Society and a recipient of the Outstanding Spirit Award and Saint Timothy Service Award. He is the 61st youth governor of Pennsylvania and was named outstanding statesman at the Conference on National Affairs. Jeffrey is a member of the swim team, yearbook staff, marching band and the NexTier Junior Bank Board. He volunteers at St. Vincent DePaul and the Greater Pittsburgh Food Bank, and is a youth coordinator for the Love Walk for the Poor. Jeffrey's father, Raymond Mitch, works in the melt and cast maintenance department at Butler Works.

-- Matthew Pirollo, son of Robert and Linda Pirollo of Allison Park, Pennsylvania.

Matthew attends Hampton High School where he is an honor student and officer of Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA). He attended the FBLA leadership conference and earned awards in both math and entrepreneurship. He plays basketball, varsity baseball and is a member of the ultimate Frisbee club. Matthew is a hospital food service volunteer, youth basketball coach and little league baseball camp assistant. He also participates in church volunteer activities. Matthew's mother, Linda Pirollo, works in the rail transportation and labor services department at Butler Works.

-- Zach Porter, son of David and Sheila Porter of Grayson, Kentucky.

Zach attends East Carter High School where he was named to "Who's Who Among American High School Students." He is a member of the gifted program, student of the year and recipient of the National Leadership Merit Award. He was also invited to attend the Lead America Conference. Zach is a member of the varsity golf team, beta club, French club, academic team and vice president of the 4-H club. He is a Bible school and Salvation Army volunteer, and actively participates in FFA community outreach programs. Zach's father, David Porter, works in the coke maintenance department at Ashland Works.

-- Tyler Roeder, son of Todd Roeder of Santa Claus, Indiana and Beth Hawkins of Ferdinand, Indiana - step son of Paul Hawkins of Ferdinand, Indiana.

Tyler attends Forest Park Jr./Sr. High School where he is a member of the National Honor Society and the National Society of High School Scholars. He is a Spell Bowl state finalist and Academic Bowl competitor. He is also a recipient of the Forest Park Academic Honor Award. Tyler participates in soccer, intramural basketball, key club, beta club, spirit club and is manager of the dance team. He is also a member of the prom board, natural helpers and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Tyler is a church youth group volunteer and math tutor. His father, Todd Roeder, works in the APL/CPL department at Rockport Works.

-- Todd Siedlecki, son of George and Lynn Siedlecki of Perrysburg, Ohio.

Todd attends Central Catholic High School where he is a member of the National Honor Society, a Regent Scholar and city league all academic athlete. He is captain of the CYO and a member of the varsity football and tennis teams. He is a solo pianist in the Festival of Lively Arts, as well as a member of the Spanish club, environmental club and ping pong club. Todd participates in the Stay Tobacco-Free Athlete Mentor Program and is a Special Olympics volunteer. He is also an altar server, football camp assistant and hospice volunteer. Todd's father, George Siedlecki, works in the finance department at AK Tube LLC in Walbridge.

-- Tyler Simpson, son of Kenneth and Teri Simpson of Monroe, Ohio.

Tyler attends Monroe High School where he is a member of the National Honor Society, the National Spanish Honor Society and a scholar athlete. He is recognized on the principal's list, and is an honor student who excels in AP biology and calculus. He is a member of the football team, as well as an office aide and a pen pal mentor. Tyler served as an election official for the Butler County Board of Elections. He participates in church volunteer activities, and is a youth basketball coach. He is also a volunteer football coach. Tyler's father, Kenneth Simpson, works in the coke-making maintenance department at Middletown Works.

-- Douglas Vogus, son of Scott and Lorraine Vogus of Cabot, Pennsylvania.

Douglas attends Knoch High School where he is a high honor roll student, National Merit Commended Scholar and member of the National Honor Society. He is also a member of student council and the academic challenge team. He is a soccer, track and swim team athlete, as well as a member of the ski club, pep band and KDA executive council. Douglas is a peer tutor, youth soccer coach and Relay for Life volunteer. He participates in the Drop and Shop babysitting program and is a Pennies for Patients fundraiser. His father, Scott Vogus, works in the melt shop at Butler Works.

-- Neil Weinberg, son of Bruce and Linell Weinberg of Toledo, Ohio.

Neil attends Sylvania Southview High School where he is a member of the National Honor Society and an academic letterman. He is a recipient of awards for academic performance in German and social studies, and was recognized by the Ohio American Legion for his scores on the Americanism and government test. He is captain of the baseball team and a Dance for Chance ambassador. He is also a member of Teen Pep and German club. Neil is actively involved with the Autism Society of Northwest Ohio. His father, Bruce Weinberg, works in the human resources department at AK Tube LLC in Walbridge.

-- John Zellhart, son of Mike and Beth Zellhart of Butler, Pennsylvania.

John attends Knoch High School where he has completed numerous advanced courses and excels in calculus, physics and AP chemistry. He is captain of the varsity football team and a Butler Eagle Sweet 16 All-Star. He is a member of the academic challenge team, chemistry club, history club and weight lifting club. He also helped establish his school's first wrestling team. John is a peer tutor and camp volunteer, as well as an active participant in the adopt a highway program. His father, Mike Zellhart, works in the hot mill at Butler Works.

In addition, Mark Schutte, son of Lawrence and Kathryn Schutte of Mason, Ohio, was originally selected to receive an AK Steel scholarship. Mark subsequently accepted a full scholarship from an accredited university, making him ineligible to receive the financial aid that would have otherwise been provided by the AK Steel scholarship. Mark attends Saint Xavier High School where he is a member of the National Honor Society and National Spanish Honor Society. He is a National Merit Commended Scholar, Magis Award recipient for English and Spanish, head field commander of the marching band and lead trumpet in the jazz band. Mark performs mission work in Peru and Appalachia, is a Big Brothers coordinator, Housing Rehab volunteer, math tutor and youth group leader. He also participates in Saint Xavier retreats to serve others and the community. Mark's father, Lawrence Schutte, works in the engineering department at Middletown Works.

About AK Steel

AK Steel produces flat-rolled carbon, stainless and electrical steels, primarily for automotive, appliance, construction and electrical power generation and distribution markets. The company employs about 6,500 men and women in Middletown, Mansfield, Coshocton and Zanesville, Ohio; Butler, Pennsylvania; Ashland, Kentucky; Rockport, Indiana; and its corporate headquarters in West Chester, Ohio. Additional information about AK Steel is available on the company's web site at http://www.aksteel.com/ .

AK Tube LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of AK Steel, employs about 300 men and women in plants in Walbridge, Ohio and Columbus, Indiana. AK Tube produces carbon and stainless electric resistance welded (ERW) tubular steel products for truck, automotive and other markets. Additional information about AK Tube LLC is available on its web site at http://www.aktube.com/