WEST CHESTER, Ohio, June 10, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- AK Steel (NYSE: AKS) announced today that the AK Steel Foundation has continued a longstanding tradition this year by awarding 20 college scholarships to sons and daughters of company employees. The awards recognize outstanding academic achievement, leadership and community involvement.

"Earning an AK Steel Foundation scholarship is a wonderful accomplishment, as the selection process is very competitive and rigorous," said Roger K. Newport, Chief Executive Officer of AK Steel. "We congratulate all of our 2019 scholars and their families, and offer our best wishes for a successful academic career."

The AK Steel Sons and Daughters Scholarships are funded by the AK Steel Foundation and are worth a maximum of $20,000 each. The Middletown, Ohio Community Foundation independently reviews the applications and selects each recipient.

2019 Scholarship Recipients:

• Brooke Caplinger, daughter of Kevin and Linda Caplinger of Eaton, Ohio and Robin Raper of Eaton, Ohio. Brooke attended Eaton High School in Eaton, Ohio. She plans to major in Exercise Science at The Ohio State University. Brooke was a member of the National Honor Society, Tri-HI-Y, and 4-H. She was also active in cross country, track, basketball and swim team. Brooke’s stepmother, Linda, works as a Shift Manager at the company’s Middletown Works.
  
  
• Clay Cavanaugh, son of Dwayne and Lara Cavanaugh of Bellbrook, Ohio. Clay attended Bellbrook High School in Bellbrook, Ohio. He will major in Special Education at Muskingum University. Clay was a member of the National Honor Society. He was also active in cross country, basketball, track, show choir and was a peer tutor for three years. Clay’s father, Dwayne, works as a Senior Credit Representative at the company’s Headquarters.
  
  
• Caitlyn Cypher, daughter of Todd Cypher of Fenelton, Pennsylvania and Beverly Cypher of Butler, Pennsylvania. Caitlyn attended Knoch High School in Saxonburg, Pennsylvania. She plans to major in Civil Engineering at Geneva College. Caitlyn was involved in orchestra and was secretary of her school’s reading club. She was also a member of the National Honor Society and active in Girl Scouts. Caitlyn’s mother, Beverly, works as a Utility Technician at the company’s Butler Works.
  
  
• Sabrina Ellison, daughter of Tod and Sri Ellison of Franklin, Ohio. Sabrina attended Franklin High School in Franklin, Ohio. She plans to major in Biomedical Engineering at The Ohio State University. Sabrina was field commander of her school’s marching band. She was also active in concert band, piano and a member of the National Honor Society. She also volunteered with her church’s vacation bible school. Sabrina’s father, Tod, works as a Senior Research Chemist at the company’s Research and Innovation Center.

• Nadir Emlemdi, son of Hasan and Fatima Emlemdi of Liberty Township, Ohio. Nadir attended Lakota West High School in West Chester, Ohio. He will attend Miami University studying Business and Managerial Economics. Nadir was a member of his school’s soccer team and served on the Student Athletic Advisory Board. He was also active in National Honor Society, Youth in Philanthropy, and is an Eagle Scout. Nadir’s father, Hasan, is a Senior Research Engineer at the company’s Research and Innovation Center.

• Olivia Fosson, daughter of Erby and Debby Fosson of Kitts Hill, Ohio. Olivia attended Huntington High School in Huntington, West Virginia. She plans to major in Musical Theatre at Oklahoma City University. Olivia was captain of her school’s Speech and Debate club, a member of National Honor Society, and the Thespian Society. She also started a literacy program where she visits elementary schools and holds book drives to help preschool aged kids in need. Olivia’s father, Erby, works as a Mechanical Maintenance Technician at the company’s Dearborn Works.
  
  
• Julia Gibson, daughter of Michael and Candace Gibson of Butler, Pennsylvania. Julia attended Butler Area High School in Butler, Pennsylvania. She will attend Duquesne University majoring in Biology and Pre-medicine. Julia was a member of her school’s volleyball, basketball and softball teams. She was also involved in Best Buddies, Environmental Club, and was a candy striper at her local hospital. Julia’s father, Michael, works as a Maintenance Technician at the company’s Butler Works.
  
  
• Grace Harding, daughter of Derek Harding and Susan Antieau of Canton, Michigan. Grace attended Salem High school in Canton, Michigan. She plans to study Packaging Engineering and Architecture at Michigan State University. Grace was a member of her school’s swim team, band and track team. She also volunteered at the Humane Society and the local soup kitchen. Grace’s father, Derek, works as a Senior Process Control Engineer at the company’s Dearborn Works.
  
  
• Lyla Henry, daughter of William and Cynthia Henry of Butler, Pennsylvania. Lyla attended Slippery Rock High School in Slippery Rock, Pennsylvania. She is interested in studying Psychology at Slippery Rock University. Lyla was a member of her school’s track and volleyball teams. She was also active in National Honor Society, Chemistry Club and Interact Club. Lyla’s father, William, works as a Maintenance Technician at the company’s Butler Works.
  
  
• Morgan Mayer, daughter of Daniel and Holly Mayer of Hamilton, Ohio. Morgan attended Hamilton High School in Hamilton, Ohio. She will major in Audiology/Speech Language Pathology at The Ohio State University. Morgan was a member of her school’s soccer team and a member of National Honor Society. She was also president of the Youth Philanthropy Committee and active in the Hamilton Youth Commission. Morgan’s father, Daniel, works as a Utility Technician at the company’s Middletown Works. 
  
  
• Brock McNeil, son of Brian and Ginger Sturgill McNeil of Ashland, Kentucky. Brock attended Boyd County High School in Ashland, Kentucky. He will attend Shawnee State University and plans to major in Biology and Pre-medicine. Brock will also play baseball at Shawnee State University. He was a member of his high school’s golf and baseball teams, National Honor Society, Pep Club, Key Club, Beta Club, 4-H and was also a peer tutor. Brock’s father, Brian, works as Utility Technician at the company’s Ashland Works.
  
  
• Emily Niswander, daughter of Chad and Megan Niswander of Monroe Township, Ohio. Emily attended Lucas High School in Lucas, Ohio. She will attend Capitol University with plans to study Nursing. Emily was active in National Honor Society, student council, volleyball and track. She also volunteered at the local food pantry, community center, and The New Store. Emily’s father, Chad, works in the Caster Service Department at the company’s Mansfield Works.

• Kyle Pfabe, son of Mykael and Angela Pfabe of Chicora, Pennsylvania. Kyle attended Butler Area Senior High School in Butler, Pennsylvania. He will attend Seton Hill University, majoring in Pre-medicine. Kyle was active in student council, National Honor Society and Best Buddies. He was secretary of the school’s German Club and a member of the Fellowship for Christian Athletes. Kyle also volunteered as a candy striper at his local hospital. Kyle’s father, Mykael, works as a Maintenance Technician Apprentice at the company’s Butler Works.
  
  
• Nathan Roberts, son of James and Margaret Roberts of Owensboro, Kentucky. Nathan attended Apollo High School in Owensboro, Kentucky. He will attend Murray State University where he plans to major in Mechanical Engineering. Nathan was a member of National Honor Society, Spanish National Honor Society, Strategic Gaming Club and Beta Club. He also played on his school’s football team and participated in weight lifting. Nathan’s father, James, works as a Production Technician at the company’s Rockport Works.
  
  
• Anna Ross, daughter of Chris and Kelly Ross of Loveland, Ohio.  Anna attended Loveland High School in Loveland, Ohio. She will attend the University of Colorado where she plans to major in English. She was a member of the International Club, Lunch Buddies, Link Crew and National Honor Society. Anna is also active in horseback riding. Anna’s father, Christopher, works in the Treasury Department at the company’s Headquarters.
  
  
• David Sanabria, son of David Sanabria and Mayra Valderrama of West Chester, Ohio. David attended Lakota East High School in Liberty Township, Ohio. He plans to attend the University of Kentucky, majoring in Electrical Engineering. David was Director of the Jr. State of America Debate Team. He was also active in volleyball, National Honor Society, Academic Quiz Team, Engineering Club and the Xtreme Bots team. David also worked at the YMCA Summer Camp and coached a little league baseball team. David’s mother, Mayra, is a Claims Representative at the company’s Headquarters.
  
  
• Genesis Sanchez-Ramirez, daughter of Brandon and Ingrid McCormick of Prichard, West Virginia. Genesis attended Tolsia High School in Fort Gay, West Virginia. She will attend Marshall University where she plans to major in Medicinal and Pharmaceutical Chemistry. Genesis was a member of her school’s track team. She was also active in National Honor Society, Student Council, Science Club, Spanish Club, Drama Club and Beta Club. Genesis’ stepfather, Brandon, works as an Operating Technician at the company’s Ashland Works.
  
  
• Ryland Scott, son of Timothy Scott of Carlisle, Ohio and Sonya Scott of Carlisle, Ohio. Ryland graduated from Carlisle High School in Carlisle, Ohio. He plans to major in Biology and Pre-medicine at the University of Alabama. Ryland was class president his junior year. He was active in soccer, quiz team, science olympiad, and National Honor Society. Ryland’s father, Timothy, works as a Utility Technician at the company’s Middletown Works.
  
  
• Justin Wang, son of Yu-Wei Wang of Farmington Hills, Michigan and Riya Cao of Bloomfield Hills, Michigan. Justin graduated from Cranbrook High School in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan. He will attend the University of Michigan, majoring in Computer Science. Justin played clarinet and saxophone in his school’s orchestra and participated in tennis, golf and taekwondo. He was also president of the Michigan Youth in Government Club, and a debate team member. Justin’s father, Yu-Wei, works as part of the company’s Research and Innovation Center’s Advanced Engineering Department at the company’s Dearborn Works.

• Allison Zwelling, daughter of Aaron and Michelle Zwelling of Lebanon, Ohio. Allison graduated from Ursuline Academy in Cincinnati, Ohio. She plans to major in Environmental Engineering at The Ohio State University. Allison was a member of the swim team. She was also active in dance and National Honor Society. Allison was the Ronald McDonald House project leader for her school and volunteered monthly to serve dinner to its residents. Allison’s mother, Michelle, works in Human Resources at the company’s Headquarters.         

AK Steel
AK Steel is a leading producer of flat-rolled carbon, stainless and electrical steel products, primarily for the automotive, infrastructure and manufacturing, including electrical power, and distributors and converters markets. Through its subsidiaries, the company also provides customer solutions with carbon and stainless steel tubing products, die design and tooling, and hot- and cold-stamped components. Headquartered in West Chester, Ohio (Greater Cincinnati), the company has approximately 9,500 employees at manufacturing operations in the United States, Canada and Mexico, and facilities in Western Europe. Additional information about AK Steel is available at www.aksteel.com.

Contacts:
Media – Lisa H. Jester, Corporate Manager, Communications and Public Relations (513) 425-2510
Investors – Douglas O. Mitterholzer, General Manager, Investor Relations (513) 425-5215