WEST CHESTER, Ohio — Five Butler County students were selected to receive AK Steel’s Sons and Daughters Scholarships.

They are: Jennifer Dudek, Skyler Hinchberger, Mackenzie Rodgers, Brendan Waltman and Matthew Zanella.

The awards are given to children of AK Steel employees.

The awards recognize academic achievement, leadership and community involvement.

“Earning an AK Steel scholarship speaks volumes about the students and families associated with our company,” said James Wainscott, chairman, president and CEO of AK Steel. “We congratulate all of our scholars, and we wish them great success as they take the next step in their academic journeys.”

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

The 2015 scholarship recipients include:

• Jennifer, the daughter of Linda and Russ Dudek of Prospect, is graduating from Slippery Rock High School where she has been recognized as a High Honor Roll student for four years. She is a member of the National Honor Society and treasurer of the French club. Jennifer is also active in soccer and is a member of the concert band. She volunteers at her church and started a local United Nations Girls Up chapter.

Her father, works in the environmental affairs department at the company’s Butler Works.

• Skyler, the daughter of Joann and Troy Hinchberger of Prospect, is graduating from Slippery Rock High School where she is a member of the National Honor Society, student council and the forensics team. She was a member of the varsity soccer team and track team. Skyler is also an aide in the guidance office, volunteers for her church and makes blankets for the Alpha Omega Center.

Her father, works in the melt shop at the company’s Butler Works.

• Mackenzie, the daughter of Milissa and Patrick Rodgers of Butler, is graduating form Knoch High School where she serves as president of student council and is a member of the National Honor Society. Mackenzie is a member of the choir, Spanish Club and History Club. She is also on the track team and is a service coordinator with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Mackenzie volunteers for community youth cheer and basketball teams.

Her father works in the melt shop at the company’s Butler Works.

• Brendan, the son of Charlotte and Timothy Waltman of Fenelton, is graduating from Karns City High School where he is a member of the National Honor Society.

He participates in Math Club, peer leadership, Spanish Club and student council. Brendan served as captain of the football team and was a member of the basketball team. He also volunteered as a student coach for youth football.

His father, works in the silicon department at the company’s Butler Works.

• Matthew, the son of Robert and Alissa Zanella of Butler, is graduating from Knoch High School where he is a member of the National Society of High School Scholars and the National Honor Society. He is a member of the German Club and Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Matthew was captain of the varsity basketball team. He also volunteers for St. Mary’s Parish and serves as a youth group counselor.

His father, works in the scheduling department at the company’s Butler Works.