Blake Rowe has set a goal that most of us strive for. "As cliché as it sounds, I would like to make the world a better place. With the right educational opportunities, I believe that I can." 

This Marine Corps dependent was awarded a $3,000 Jackson Casey Fund/ThanksUSA scholarship to begin Political Science and Economics majors at Seton Hall University. Though his collegiate journey has just begun, Blake is considering service in the Marine Corps or continuing his education and applying to law school.

Including this year's $3,000 Strada Education Network/ThanksUSA scholarship, Alicia Paddock has received ThanksUSA scholarships totaling $6,000 for undergraduate studies at Franciscan University of Steubenville in Ohio.

The daughter of an Air Force Reservist, Alicia majors in Sociology with minors in Spanish and Human Life Studies. “I find my purpose in helping others. While one of my career goals is to become an elementary school teacher, back in my home state of California, I am also open to the possibility of working with children or older adults through social services or community work.”

With the assistance of a $3,000 CVS Health/ThanksUSA scholarship, Yolanda Quarles will graduate from Barton College in the spring of 2018 with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. An Air Force spouse from Goldsboro, North Carolina, Yolanda looks forward to working as a Registered Nurse. 

“After a couple years of working as an RN, I plan to return to school to pursue my Masters in Nursing Education. Through countless hours of leading group studies and tutoring sessions on nursing courses, I realize that I have a passion for teaching.”

​With the assistance of a $3,000 Lockheed Martin/ThanksUSA scholarship, Joey Arnold has begun undergraduate studies at Drexel University. An Air Force dependent, Joey majors in Electrical Engineering with minors in Global Engineering and Chinese. “These studies will make me a versatile engineer upon graduation.”

Upon graduating from high school in 2016, Joey studied-abroad in Taiwan and China through the U.S. Department of State’s National Security Language Initiative for Youth. He now serves as a NSLI-Y Pre-Departure orientation leader, preparing students for their own studies-abroad.

Army dependent Brian Fields received his third $3,000 Jackson Casey Fund/ThanksUSA scholarships to continue a Political Science major at the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill.

After completing undergraduate studies next spring, Brian plans to pursue a Master's in Public Administration while working on the 2018 federal midterm elections. Until then, he is dedicated to serving fellow students through political advocacy.

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.