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.”

Erykah Jackson, an Army dependent from El Paso, was awarded a $3,000 Rudy’s BBQ/ ThanksUSA scholarship to begin undergraduate studies at Pennsylvania State University. 

Interested in business studies, Erykah plans to apply to Penn State’s Smeal College of Business and major in Finance. “I plan to pursue a Masters of Business Administration, get certification as a CPA, and work as a Financial Analyst. Ultimately, I hope to attend law school and earn a Juris Doctorate degree in Corporate Financial Analysis.” 

The daughter of an active-duty Army Warrant Officer stationed at MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa, Florida, Keili Keoho was awarded a $3,000 Heartland 4 Heroes/ThanksUSA scholarship to continue undergraduate studies at the University of Tennessee in Chattanooga.

Majoring in Business with an Accounting concentration, Keili looks forward to completing the CPA exam and working as an accountant while attending law school. “My ultimate goal is to use my familiarity with the law and business to become a politician. I believe I have the capability to truly make a difference in the future of America.”

Sometimes the best motivation comes from doubt. As an Army spouse and mother of three, Scarlet Levine faced criticism when she decided to pursue an undergraduate degree. “Everyone around me thought I was crazy for starting my college career so late in life. I ignored the critics and pushed even harder to prove I deserved these opportunities. I turned the negative statements into my need and drive to be the best version of myself and things have worked out wonderfully.” Scarlet was awarded a $3,000 Bruce & Suzie Kovner/ThanksUSA scholarship to continue a Psychology major at the University of Maryland University College. 

After the passing of her father, Laura DuPont received grief counseling through the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS). “TAPS offered fun, adventurous ways to help me through pain and it taught me how to deal with my feelings. The goal now is to use my personal experience and education to help others help themselves. My ideal career would be offering counseling through outdoor adventures.”

ThanksUSA awarded this Army National Guard dependent a $3,000 Altria Group/Senator Ted Stevens Memorial scholarship to continue a Psychology major at Point Loma Nazarene University in San Diego. In preparation for a career as an outdoor counselor, Laura has joined the University’s Outdoor Leadership Program.