The AAFES Retired Employees Association (AREA) Scholarship Program is funded through donations by generous benefactors. Each year, AREA plans on awarding $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 36 applications reviewed, two $5,000 and 10 $3,000 scholarships were awarded. Since the scholarship program began in 1985, AREA has awarded $947,795 to 407 students.
Steven Qiu, son of Haibo Qiu, director of Quality Assurance at HQ, was awarded the top $5,000 scholarship. Steven has been accepted at Rice University, seeking a biological sciences degree. While attending Arlington James Martin High School, he was a member of the National Honor Society, an AP scholar and an English online tutor. He also co-hosted the Arlington Public Library’s world languages story time program in Chinese. Steven is a violinist in the Greater Dallas Youth Orchestra. His goal is to become a medical researcher and innovator.
Stephen Hemsworth, the son of Arthur Hemsworth, IT Integrations Services portfolio manager at HQ, was also awarded the coveted $5,000 scholarship. Stephen will attend Baylor University and study Piano Performance, English and Pre-Law. Stephen will graduate high school Summa Cum Laude and is a National Merit Commended Scholar, awarded to the top 2% in the Nation. He is the president of the Science Club, a Latin and Math tutor and an All State Musician for the clarinet. He volunteered at a nonprofit providing pro-bono legal services and plans to practice law.
Christian Franco, the son of Daniela Saenz, a cashier at Luke Air Force Base, Arizona, was awarded a $3,000 scholarship. He has been accepted at the University of Texas at Austin and plans to study Statistics and Data Science as well as Business. He was on the Principal’s Honor Roll throughout high school, and a member of the National Honor Society and Chess Club. Chris enjoys reading classic literature, cooking and travel. He seeks a career as an actuary.
Josiah Lee, is the son of Andrew Lee, HQ data analyst, and was awarded a $3,000 scholarship. Josiah plans to study Business and Government at one of the five colleges where he was accepted. He is an Eagle Scout and has won awards in Speech and Debate. Josiah won as the BEST Robotics construction manager in a regional competition and won first place in the breaststroke at a citywide swim competition in Dallas. His hobbies are wide-ranging, from blacksmithing and hunting to playing guitar and cooking.
Nia Baird, daughter of Matthew Baird, business analyst III at HQ, was also awarded a $3,000 scholarship. Nia was accepted at the Texas Woman’s University and plans to study Music Education. She is a member of the A-Honor Roll and National Honor Society as well as the JV and varsity volleyball teams. Mia volunteered at the Special Olympics and Salvation Army and participated in the State Choir as both soloist and in an ensemble. Nia aspires to be a choir director.
Sebastian Carrasco, also awarded a $3,000 scholarship, is the son of Patricia Carrasco, HQ Merchandise inventory and planning manager. Sebastian has been accepted at Texas A&M and Colorado University and will major in Biology. He is an Eagle Scout and a member of the National Honor Society. Sebastian runs cross country and is the lead saxophonist in his high school marching band. As a musician, he won an Honors Award in a chamber music festival.
Sage Barnes, daughter of Lt. Col. Shane Barnes, chief of plans for Europe/SWA/Africa Region, was awarded a $3,000 scholarship. She plans to attend the University of Utah studying health and kinesiology. Sage is a member of the National Honor Society, is student body president and an AP scholar. She is on the varsity volleyball and track and field teams, where she won first place in all of Europe for discus and shot put. She is a certified rescue Scuba diver and loves Alpine skiing. Sage strives to become an emergency medicine physician.
Justin Huynh is the son of Raymond Huynh, system administrator at HQ, and was awarded a $3,000 scholarship. Justin has been accepted at the University of Texas at Austin and will major in economics. Justin is a member of the National Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta, Beta Club and a National Merit Commended Scholar. He enjoys basketball and is a member of the varsity golf team. Justin wants to be able to predict global economic downturns and write marketing policies.
Jordan Richburg is the son of Eliza Richburg, senior Labor Relations specialist, and Sheldon Richburg, program specialist at HQ, and was awarded a $3,000 scholarship. Jordan was accepted at Hampton University to study biology. Jordan participated in junior varsity track and field and is on the varsity football team, where he won All District Running Back. He mentored elementary school kids and enjoys reading, cooking and baking. Jordan plans to be a dentist.
Julian Peng is the son of Tina Chen, Customer Insight manager at HQ, and was awarded a $3,000 scholarship. Julian has been accepted at the University of Texas at Austin and will study business and finance. He is a member of the National Honor Society and is a National Merit Scholar. Julian was the Silver Defensive Player of the Year on the Championship Texas 2A hockey team. He is president of the Debate Club and treasurer of the Artificial Intelligence Club. Julian served as a tutor to his classmates.
Caia Hernandez is the daughter of LTC (R) Jose Hernandez, director of Corporate Communications at HQ, and was awarded a $3,000 scholarship. Caia will attend the University of Texas at Austin to study aerospace engineering. She is a member of the National Honor Society, Key Club and was recognized as the Kiwanis Student of the Month. She coaches gymnastics, mentors students in English and math, and is a leader in the high school band. She would like her degree to positively impact the Air Force.
Mai Beisley, awarded a $3,000 scholarship, is the daughter of Gregory Beisley, Safety and Security specialist at Misawa Air Force Base, Japan. Mai will study music performance at Berklee College of Music. She is a member of the National Honor Society and on the Principal’s Honor Roll. Mai elevated school spirit with cheer and as manager of the football team. She participated in drama, choir, dance and is the lead singer in a garage band.