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Qorvis Communications
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Twenty-Five District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia Students Awarded Prestigious Horatio Alger State Scholarship
Anthony Welters Provides $62,500 to Fund Scholarships for Teens that Overcame Adversity

WASHINGTON, May 12, 2009 –The Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans is pleased to announce that it has awarded scholarships to 25 deserving high school students in the District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia. Each scholar will receive $2,500 to assist in funding their college education. The students were selected for the Horatio Alger District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia State Scholarship because they persevered in overcoming adversity while also demonstrating excellence in academics, admirable character and community contributions.

“The District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia scholars have overcome great obstacles and we are proud to present this award,” said David L. Sokol, president and chief executive officer of the Horatio Alger Association. “Through this scholarship program, we celebrate their accomplishments and help them reach their future goals.”

The Horatio Alger State Scholarship Programs range from $2,500 to $10,500 and are sponsored by Horatio Alger members and friends. These scholarships are offered in 29 states. In 2009, the programs are awarding more than 600 state scholarships to students throughout the country.

The District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia scholarships are made possible by Horatio Alger member Anthony Welters.

“We are indebted to the contributions of Anthony Welters,” Sokol added. “He is truly a steward of the Horatio Alger mission. His support enables us to continue to offer young people access to a brighter future through higher education.”

Horatio Alger scholars are provided with numerous resources to ensure a successful college career. Each student receives:

• Financial aid guidance to assist in the selection of, and preparation for, college.
• Access to the association’s Web site, where students can create online profiles, search for fellow scholars, update their personal information, submit disbursement requests and direct questions to the association.
• Access to a toll-free information line, to speak to program coordinators for assistance with questions about their scholarships and other educational programs.

The 2009 District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia recipients are:

• Adina Bhatti of Alexandria, Virginia, T.C. Williams High School
• Asa J. Cary of Laurel, Maryland, Baltimore School for The Arts
• Andrew Y. Cedeno, of Woodbridge, Virginia, Woodbridge Senior High School
• Emily C. Cruikshank of Germantown, Maryland, Clarksburg High School
• John T. Donoghue of Frederick, Maryland, Tuscarora High School
• Celia Dubroof of Rockville, Maryland, Gaithersburg High School
• Charlene Dudley of Laurel, Maryland, Reservoir High School
• Ivonne Espinosa of Gaithersburg, Maryland, Northwest High School
• Jemima E. Etienne of Silver Spring, Maryland, Springbrook High School
• Sheldon Faison of Washington, District of Columbia, Woodberry Forest School
• Sanaya Hormozdyaran of Centreville, Virginia, Centreville High School
• Diane M. Lameira of Rockville, Maryland, Walter Johnson High School
• Yasmin Y. Mendoza of Washington, District of Columbia, School Without Walls
• Samuel S. Moijueh of Columbia, Maryland, Atholton High School
• Amber M. Montgomery of Jessup, Maryland, Hammond High School
• Lauren R. Oglesby of Columbia, Maryland, Oakland Mills High School
• Marquese D. Proctor of Brandywine, Maryland, Gwynn Park High School
• Alexis S. Pumphrey of Temple Hills, Maryland, Potomac High School
• Gideon Samson of Silver Spring, Maryland, Bethesda Chevy Chase High School
• Cory D. Sevarino of Columbia, Maryland, Oakland Mills High School
• Rakia F. Stancil of Mount Airy, Maryland, Glenelg High School
• Senait Temesgen of Alexandria, Virginia, T.C. Williams High School
• Victoria Tucker of Washington, District of Columbia, Banneker High School
• Edberg Villard of Rockville, Maryland, Wheaton High School
• Antonia J. Warren of Woodbridge, Virginia, Gar-Field High School

Scholars are encouraged to remain connected with the association throughout their lives and become active members of the Horatio Alger alumni group.

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, State Scholarship Programs and Graduate Grants. The association awards nearly $7 million annually in college scholarships and has given more than $63 million to deserving students since 1984. The association is a 2008-2009 Combined Federal Campaign participant. For more information, please visit www.horatioalger.org.

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