AK Steel Honors Women For Strength, Courage, Compassion And Leadership

WEST CHESTER, Ohio, Dec. 20, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- In recognition of women who have overcome obstacles to make a positive difference in the lives of others, the AK Steel Foundation is underwriting the Steel Magnolia Awards – honoring four women who reside in the vicinity of AK Steel's corporate headquarters and plant operations.  The awards are worth $1,000 each, and ­­­­­­­­­­will be presented in the form of a grant made to an eligible non-profit organization selected by each recipient.    

"All of the award recipients are courageous women who, despite personal challenges, have made a significant difference in the lives of others," said James L. Wainscott, Chairman, President and CEO of AK Steel.  "Through the company's foundation, we are proud to honor these inspirational women by sponsoring the Steel Magnolia Awards."

The Middletown, Ohio, Community Foundation independently administers the Steel Magnolia Awards Program.  For additional information about the program, contact the Middletown Community Foundation at 513-424-7369.   

2013 Steel Magnolia Award Recipients:

• Doris Frakes of Rockport, Indiana - While challenged with a series of family medical issues and loss, Doris continues her volunteer efforts at St. Bernard School and the Historical Society.  She also delivers meals to home-bound individuals and helps organize an annual Chamber of Commerce fair.  Her award will support the Way of Rockport, which provides transitional housing, prison outreach, GED classes and addiction recovery services.

• Anita Ream of Shelby, Ohio - A cancer survivor herself, Anita lost her young son to a rare form of the disease in 2006, transforming her into a passionate cancer advocate.  She has organized several American Cancer Society Relay for Life events, spoken at Livestrong events and raised funds for pediatric cancer research through the St. Baldrick's Foundation.  Her award will support the Shelby Foundation for the Mason Ream Memorial Scholarship, which was established in memory of her son.

• Judy Rolph of Middletown, Ohio - After losing a daughter and caring for multiple family members with special needs, Judy continues to be regarded as a cornerstone of her local church.  Battling cancer herself, Judy's co-workers describe her as someone who exemplifies how to face adversity with class, strength, determination and joy.  Her award will benefit "Women's Health Issues in the Miami Valley Sisterhood" which provides health care assistance for local women in need.

• Ann Wiseman of Ashland, Kentucky - Following several surgeries, Ann retired as a nurse but remains one of the community's leading volunteers.  A former Lions Club president, she organizes Community Kitchen food drives, moderates a Presbyterian women's group, is county secretary for the Extension Services Homemaker's Group and fundraises for the Highlands Museum.  Her award will support the Ashland Area Presbyterian Clean Start Ministries, which provides services for the homeless.

SOURCE AK Steel

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