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Horatio Alger Field Directors to Convene in Williamsburg for National Conference
Educators and Community Leaders from Across the Country Join to Strengthen Nationwide Horatio Alger Scholarship Program

Washington, DC – (October 27, 2008) – The Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans announced today that it will host its field directors October 30 - November 2, 2008 for a national conference in Williamsburg, Virginia. The Horatio Alger Field Directors will meet to discuss best practices and strategies on scholar recruitment and marketing.

"Horatio Alger Field Directors serve as important ambassadors for the Association," said Terrence J. Giroux, Executive Director, Horatio Alger Association. "Therefore, we are investing the time and effort during the upcoming conference to provide interactive learning and strategic planning sessions. Our goal is to provide each director with the tools and the means to find the next class of Horatio Alger scholars."

The conference will occur at the Williamsburg Lodge in Colonial Williamsburg over a four-day weekend. Horatio Alger President David L. Sokol will welcome the directors and deliver remarks during the opening night session.

Horatio Alger Field Directors are a diverse group of education administrators, community and business leaders representing all 50 states, Washington, DC and Puerto Rico. They serve as liaisons between their respective states and the Association. Field directors serve a two-year term and assist the Association with marketing and recruitment at local high schools. They provide the necessary information regarding the types of scholarships and educational programs offered, including all details on criteria and eligibility.

The Horatio Alger Scholarship Programs award more than $10 million in college scholarships annually. Awards are given to high school seniors who have persevered in overcoming adversity while maintaining their grades and participating in community and volunteer activities.

Shirley C. Eye, a field director from Fredericksburg, Virginia, will be attending the conference. She says, "I’m delighted to share and learn from fellow educators and leaders from across the country during what I believe will be a valuable learning weekend. In addition, serving on the Horatio Alger Scholars Conference staff provides me an opportunity to share my first-hand observations about the benefits for the scholarship recipients and the outstanding work of the Association."

About the Horatio Alger Association
Founded in 1947, the Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans continues to fulfill its mission of honoring the achievements of outstanding individuals in our society who have succeeded in spite of adversity and of encouraging young people to pursue their dreams through higher education. The Horatio Alger Association offers three annual scholarship programs: the National Scholarship Program and state scholarship programs, available to high school seniors in all 50 states, and the Horatio Alger Military Veterans Scholarship Program for U.S. veterans of the Afghanistan and Iraq conflicts. The Association awards more than $10 million annually in college scholarships and has given over $63 million to deserving students since 1984. The Association is a 2008 Combined Federal Campaign participant, ID# 77062. For more information about the scholarships, please visit www.horatioalger.org.    

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