The National AAFES Retired Employees Association (AREA) Scholarship Program stands as a testament to the organization’s commitment to fostering educational opportunities.
Established in 1985 through the philanthropic efforts of retirees and active associates, the program has provided significant financial assistance, exceeding $1,070,000, to more than 440 graduating seniors.
The Scholarship Review Board employs a comprehensive selection process that considers academic distinctions, extracurricular participation, unique talents, letters of recommendation and applicant essays.
Through this thorough evaluation, National AREA ensures that scholarships are awarded to accomplished individuals, reflecting its commitment to empowering the next generation with financial support and recognition.
Below are the 2026 winners of this competitive process.
Samantha Lee, daughter of Lt. Col.(R) Faith Lee, chief of inspections, Office of the Inspector General, HQ, has been awarded a $5,000 scholarship. She plans to attend the University of Texas at Austin to pursue a degree in health and society, on a pre-med track with aspirations toward orthopedics.
Samantha’s academic achievements include being in the National Honor Society and logging more than 100 volunteer hours in community service. She is also the student representative for the Parent Teacher Student Association and captain of the varsity swim team. She also provided private academic tutoring in math and science and notes that each student improved by at least one letter grade.
Beyond academics, Samantha held several roles that include an internship at Baylor Orthopedics and Spine Hospital, as well as performing as a swim coach for the Mansfield Aquatic Club Swim Team, guiding more than 50 people from non-swimmers to completing their first swim meet. Samantha credits her resilience and compassion to growing up as a military dependent with multiple moves and to watching her mother’s dedication. She said this is what led her to show up for people who need it most and explore a career in medicine.
Juli Sparks, daughter of Robert Sparks, corporate electronics mail coordinator at HQ, has been awarded a $5,000 scholarship. Juli plans to attend the University of Florida to pursue a degree in biochemistry (pre-med track) with the goal of working in the ophthalmology arena.
A recent graduate of Colleyville Heritage High School, Juli distinguished herself through her academic achievements and extensive extracurricular involvement. She was a National Merit Commended Scholar, served as vice president of the National Honor Society, was a member of Chemistry Club/National Science Honor Society, and was student ambassador of CHHS Red Jackets and team captain of CHHS Varsity Tennis.
Beyond academics, Juli participated as an intern in ophthalmology research at UT Southwestern Medical Center, focusing on retinal disease and macular degeneration. Juli is also a student instructor, first-degree black belt, and said that the adoption of a service mindset transformed her life: her interest in helping others led to stronger academics, richer relationships and greater happiness.
Landon Banks, son of Brandi Banks, warehouse worker at the Wright-Patterson AFB Exchange, has been awarded a $3,000 scholarship. Landon will pursue a degree in business administration–accounting.
Landon’s academic excellence shines in his membership in the National Honor Society and National Technical Honor Society for Business Administration. He gained practical experience as a journeyman-level banking representative.
His leadership and commitment to community involvement are evident through his participation in numerous student organizations, such as being a CODE Credit Union Student representative in a student liaison role; his many seasons of varsity tennis; his role in competitive marching band and his participation in the symphonic band. Landon balanced his extracurricular activities with a part-time job at the UPS Store, gaining valuable hands-on experience.
Karthik Bhattar, son of Swami Bhatter, Services portfolio manager at HQ, has been awarded a $3,000 scholarship. He plans to attend the University of Texas at Austin to pursue a degree in computer science.
Karthik’s accomplishments include membership in the USA Olympiad Platinum as well as first place in the University of Texas at Dallas Battle of the Brains Hackathon. He was a finalist in the Texas Technology Student Association Data Science and Analytics competition. Karthik was recognized as an AP Scholar with Distinction and is a member of the National Honor Society with more than 50 hours of community service, demonstrating his commitment to service. His leadership roles include vice president of the Web Development Club.
Karthik held an internship at American Airlines, where he designed and prototyped a social media app from scratch, gaining hands-on experience at a Fortune 500 company. He continues to serve as a CS/programming tutor teaching coding concepts to peers and younger students. He also plays the violin, flute and piano.
Cooper Buck, daughter of Michelle Buck, application system program manager at HQ, has been awarded a $3,000 scholarship.
Cooper plans to attend Texas Tech University to pursue a degree in nutrition and eventually become a physician assistant. Her accomplishments show her commitment to academics and community service. Her various activities include being captain and social media manager for the FCA Cheerleading Team, tutoring younger students and serving as an art club teacher in the after-school program. Cooper is also an assistant equestrian trainer for Youth Riders and was a national finalist for the coveted Interscholastic Equestrian Association’s Sportsmanship Award for the past two years.
Cooper is also involved in her church activities and volunteered for Good Friday events, led Bible studies for children and works the VIP booth connecting newcomers to the church community.
Malia Kahloni Chaney Hamilton, daughter of Janet Hamilton, services business manager, Fort Polk Exchange, has been awarded a $3,000 scholarship for her exceptional achievements.
A dedicated student, Malia is a member of the National and Spanish Honor Society and is recognized for A/B honor roll status. Beyond academics, she is very involved in several school activities including the Black Heritage Club, the Chess Club and Thespian Society. She was also part of the Buena Vista JROTC and HS Flag Team and is actively involved in the Fort Polk middle school Teen Center Student Youth Council.
Demonstrating strong time management skills and a robust work ethic, Malia also balances her studies and extracurricular activities with a part-time job at a local restaurant and is currently seeking a Retail Management Certification. She is set to attend Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in pursuit of a bachelor’s degree in aeronautical engineering, a field she has felt passionate about for many years.
Carol Hercules, daughter of Prapaporn Hercules, a lead Subway foreman at the USAG Humphreys Exchange, has been awarded a $3,000 scholarship. Carol intends to pursue engineering studies at Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana.
Carol’s academic record includes being recognized as an AP Scholar with Distinction, as well as receiving the National History Club and National History Scholars Society Student of the Year Award. She was also on the Principal’s Honor Roll for maintaining straight A’s. Carol participated in the FIRST Tech Challenge Team as a builder and coder, in Robotics Club, and was a member on the school Math League and a founding member of the school’s Science Olympiad club/team.
She said she learned much from her volunteer opportunities and has more than 50 accumulated volunteer hours. Her leadership experience includes serving as treasurer of the Math League. She has also earned multiple additional awards such as the Think Award, Excellence in Algebra Award and the Excellence in Chemistry award.
Logan LaRose, son of Todd LaRose, pricing analyst at HQ, has been awarded a $3,000 scholarship. Logan will attend the University of North Texas to pursue a degree in finance.
Logan’s academic excellence is displayed through his membership in the National Technical Honor Society, Outstanding Ensemble Award, Royal Award for Character/Compassion and perfect attendance award.
His leadership and commitment to community involvement are evident through his achievement of Eagle Scout and participation in marching band, clarinet choir and symphony orchestra. Logan likes working on cars and building LEGOs while balancing a part-time job as a Cinemark Team Member. He said that attending school, working and earning his Eagle Scout rank, helped him gain valuable insight into how important responsibility and time management are.
McKinleigh Meeks, daughter of Morgan Meeks, vice president of Logistics at HQ, has been awarded a $3,000 scholarship. McKinleigh plans to attend the University of Arkansas and pursue a bachelor’s degree in nursing.
McKinleigh’s accomplishments include all-A Honor Roll and serving as vice president of HOSA–Future Health Professionals. She is a member of the National Honor Society and has been involved with MASH (a medical-based organization). Her activities include cheer, track indoor and outdoor State Championships, as well as High Point winner, South Arkansas Swim Association, along with Top 10 Junior Olympian in swim. McKinleigh said she loves to swim and run competitively.
McKinleigh is CPR-certified and serves her church’s Vacation Bible School. She balances her extracurricular activities with a part-time job at a local restaurant.
Sophia Ramsey, daughter of Derrick Ramsey, systems technology manager at HQ, has been awarded a $3,000 scholarship. Sophia plans to attend Texas Tech University and pursue a bachelor’s degree in nursing with a desire to specialize in pediatrics.
Sophia’s accomplishments show her commitment to academics in various activities, including National Honor Society and A Honor Roll, as well as taking dual-credit college courses and graduating with both her high school diploma and an associate’s degree in May 2026. She also participated in Maypearl (Texas) High School Marching Band, Class I Solo Auditionist, Student Council, One Act Theater, and received the Daughters of the American Revolution Good Citizen award. Sophia performed volunteer hours through the National Honor Society and Manna House Angel Tree gift-wrapping.
Sophia balanced her extracurricular activities with a part-time job at Maypearl Events, where she learned to pay attention to detail. She said her experience volunteering and as an intern for a first-grade class have been valuable learning experiences that helped her to develop patience, empathy and personal skills she will use in her desired profession.
Jada Wilson, daughter of Jamaal Wilson, customer relations manager at HQ, has been awarded a $3,000 scholarship. Jada will attend the University of Texas at Austin to pursue a degree in journalism.
Jada’s academic excellence shines through her membership in the National Honor Society, National Society of High School Scholars and Dallas ISD Scholar, as well as the International Thespian Society.
Beyond her studies, Jada is deeply committed to service as demonstrated by her participation as Student Council president, National Honor Society parliamentarian and Broadcast Club secretary. She is a mission volunteer and student leader at church. Jada is also owner/creator of The Love Bug Blog. She is a Ronald McDonald House Teen Team member and manages to balance her extracurricular activities with a part-time job as a server at a local restaurant.
Tristen Geddie, son of LaSonga Thomas, HR programs support manager at HQ, has been awarded a $2,000 scholarship. Tristen plans to attend Auburn University and pursue a degree in pre-business–accounting.
Tristen’s accomplishments show his commitment to academics in various activities including A/B Honor Roll, as well as taking dual-credit college courses. He also participated in the Future Business Leaders of America and held the position of treasurer for their chapter. He is a member of Future Teachers of Alabama, where he assisted in creating lesson plans, providing tours for younger students and visiting local elementary schools to read to students.
Tristen was able to balance his extracurricular activities with being a part of the Chick-fil-A Leader Academy, where he planned local events with elementary schools, delivered books, and developed plans to help disadvantaged students.
Malakai Musashi Morel, son of JBLE-Langley Main Store Manager Kikana Morel, has been awarded a $2,000 scholarship.
This scholarship is a testament to Malakai’s dedication and hard work, and it will support his academic journey at the Virginia Military Institute, where he plans to study computer science–cybersecurity.
Malakai’s achievements include involvement in the National Society of High School Scholars, National Honor Society and Cadet Officer Leadership Program, as well as being Cadet Officer Leadership Program Training instructor. He has participated in the Verizon Skill Forward program and has obtained an EverFi Financial Literacy Certificate. Malakai is actively involved in JROTC, where he has held multiple roles, including administrative and personnel officer, logistics officer and Honor Guard and Color Guard member.
Malakai says JROTC has taught him leadership, responsibility, and teamwork. He learned leadership is not just giving orders—it is helping others and setting a good example.
Paola Otero-Acevedo, a customer experience associate at the Malmstrom AFB Exchange and daughter of Beatriz Acevedo-Rodriguez, Malmstrom Military Clothing store manager, has been awarded a $2,000 scholarship. Paola will attend Montana State University to pursue a bachelor’s degree in business–accounting.
Paola’s academic quality is demonstrated through her membership in the National Honor Society, maintaining her Honor Roll status, and her receipt of the Heisey Award, which honors outstanding students in Montana. She also took multiple college level courses while maintaining her GPA.
Beyond her studies, Paola is deeply committed to service as demonstrated by her participation in assisting teachers at the elementary school summer camp. She has also volunteered her time at the Rustler’s Roost concession and even took on the Rustler’s Roost bookkeeping. She is a member of the Business Professionals of America, where she was the secretary and treasurer for the past two years. She was also DECA-International Career Development Conference qualifier for accounting applications and credits this for learning time management and presentation skills. She manages to balance her extracurricular activities with her part-time Exchange job.
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