Army dependent Mariah Smith explains how a mix of military life and competitive golf has helped her grow and mature. “Both experiences have taught me the importance of honesty, determination, persistence and a strong work ethic. These experiences have allowed me to become a leader in the community and a role model for others. With the social skills that I have developed, I am able to instill strong, developmental qualities in children while introducing them to the great game of golf -- a far greater reward than any trophy or medal.”

With the assistance of a $3,000 Heartland 4 Heroes/ThanksUSA scholarship, Mariah will draw from these skills as she begins a Kinesiology major at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville. 

Victoria Clark from Bonaire, Georgia, was awarded a $3,000 CVS Health/ThanksUSA scholarship to continue a Pharmaceutical Sciences major at the University of Georgia. The daughter of an active-duty Air Force Colonel, Victoria is humbled to be able to attend UGA and work towards a rewarding career. “The field of pharmacy is always changing and will push me to continue learning even after I have earned my degree.”

Air Force dependent Brianna Cupp was awarded a $3,000 Pershing Square Foundation/ThanksUSA scholarship to continue undergraduate studies at Stetson University in Florida.
 
The daughter of a Purple Heart recipient, Brianna majors in Sociology with a minor in Education and the Certificate of Community Engagement. “My dream is to be able to have a positive impact on the lives of children. For me this will be in the form of becoming a Social Worker and working as a case manager for children in the foster care system."

Air Force dependent Karis Pitts was awarded a $3,000 Paladin Capital Group/ThanksUSA scholarship to continue a Musical Theatre major with a Dance minor at Kansas State University.  

“I grew up in a family of musically and theatrically inclined people. After graduation, I would be interested in working in schools, theatres, or dance studios. Considering the competitive world of fine arts, I will keep my mind open to options that aren't necessarily performing on Broadway.”

Sidney Bierman received a $3,000 Paladin Capital Group/ThanksUSA scholarship to continue undergraduate studies at South Dakota State University. The daughter of an Army Reservist, Sidney’s ultimate goal is to become a mixed-animal veterinarian. She majors in Animal Science with minors in Chemistry, Biology, Animal Health, and Equine Studies.

After graduating Valedictorian from high school in 2014, Alexander Slabaugh served a two-year mission in Thailand and Myanmar for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. An Air Force dependent, Alexander now intends to live a life of service as a doctor in the United States Air Force.

With the assistance of a $3,000 John (NMN) Coffey/ThanksUSA scholarship, Alexander majors in Biology at the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill. 

When her father was diagnosed with cancer, Air Force dependent Tabitha Davis decided to dedicate her life to the medical field. Tabitha was awarded a $3,000 American Honda Foundation/ThanksUSA scholarship to continue a Behavioral Sciences major at Ashford University. 

“I intend to continue my education and earn a PhD in Epidemiology so I can conduct cancer-related research. I would also like to work with epidemiologists across the globe to help eradicate several infectious and chronic diseases.”

Diagnosed with a chronic illness at age four, Austin Doub’s earliest childhood memories include hospital stays and clinic visits. What could have been very traumatic experiences were actually calmed through music. “Music has given me a creative outlet that is calming and helps me cope. I would like to share the benefit of music with others in a medical setting such as a children's hospital or nursing home.”

An Air Force dependent, Austin was awarded a $3,000 USPTA/ThanksUSA scholarship to attend Cedarville where he is pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Music with an emphasis in Piano Performance and Music History. After completing his undergraduate studies, Austin plans to pursue a Master of Music in Musicology and a certificate in Music Therapy.

With the assistance of a $3,000 Paladin Capital Group/ThanksUSA scholarship, Marine Corps dependent Sandra Amadi is continuing an Accounting major at Kennesaw State University in Georgia. 

“After graduating with a bachelor's degree, I plan to obtain my Certified Public Accounting (CPA) License and begin a career in a public accounting firm, corporation, or government organization. On my journey to success, I hope to influence others to reach their educational and career goals.”

When she was in high school, Marine Corps dependent Emily Cluen began working as a lifeguard and counselor at Camp Rockfish in North Carolina. What began as a part-time summer job soon turned into a career goal. “Serving at Camp Rockfish helped me realize that I would like to be a part of the camping ministry for the rest of my life.” 

Emily has received consecutive Blavatnik Family Foundation/ThanksUSA scholarships totaling $6,000 for a Recreation Management major at Appalachian State University in North Carolina. 

Navy dependent Thaddaeus Bacon was awarded a $3,000 Pershing Square Foundation/ThanksUSA scholarship to continue Business Finance studies at Texas A&M University. 

With plans to pursue a graduate degree, Thaddaeus has added International Business certification studies that require studies-abroad in at least three foreign countries. “The Pershing Square Foundation/ThanksUSA scholarship has afforded me the opportunity to be successful in this area. I am blessed to have been born into a community that assists military families. Thank you so much for supporting my education.” 

A $3,000 John (NMN) Coffey/ThanksUSA scholarship is helping Megan Cancel continue Nursing studies at Excelsior College. The spouse of an active-duty Airman stationed in Guam, Megan works as a Registered Nurse contractor at the U.S. Naval Hospital's Family Medicine Clinic while pursuing her BSN.

“It has been a challenge being newly married and living so far away from home in New York. While both my husband and myself are blessed to have jobs, the cost of living in Guam is very high. This scholarship has made a huge difference in my ability to afford school.”