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Twenty-five Delaware Students Awarded Prestigious Horatio Alger State Scholarship
Michele Rollins Family Provides $125,000 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 Delaware. Each scholar will receive $5,000 to assist in funding their college education. The students were selected for the Horatio Alger Delaware State Scholarship because they persevered in overcoming adversity while also demonstrating excellence in academics, admirable character and community contributions.

“The Delaware 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 Delaware scholarships are made possible by the Michele Rollins family, who has supported the state with scholarships through the Horatio Alger Association since 2003.

“We are indebted to the contributions of Michele Rollins and her family,” Sokol added. “They are truly stewards of the Horatio Alger mission. Their 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 Delaware recipients are:

• Amanda L. McConnell of Bear, Hodgson Voc Tech High School
• Tasnim A. Choudhury of Felton, Caesar Rodney High School
• Matthew T. Eskridge of Georgetown, Sussex Central High School
• Emily M. Shinn of Georgetown, Sussex Central High School
• Arizona L. Prinkey of Georgetown, Sussex Technical High School
• Heather L. Fuller of Greenwood, Sussex Technical High School
• Samantha B. Albanese of Harrington, Woodbridge High School
• Justin N. Worster of Laurel, Sussex Technical High School
• Shiann L. Miller of Laurel, Laurel Senior High School
• Ashley M. Cheeseman of Laurel, Laurel Senior High School
• Candy C. Beck of Laurel, Laurel Senior High School
• Deandre M. Dickerson of Laurel, Seaford High School
• Hilary C. Shee of Middletown, Ursuline Academy
• David A. Campbell of Milton, Cape Henlopen High School
• Amanda E. Brittian of Milton, Cape Henlopen High School
• Darien L. White of Newark, Christiana High School
• Long V. Do of Newark, The Charter School of Wilmington
• Barien D. White of Newark, Christiana High School
• Shannon R. Wright of Seaford, Seaford High School
• Zachary Cain of Seaford, Seaford High School
• Nicholas R. Hunt of Seaford, Seaford High School
• Miranda K. Klein of Wilmington, Concord High School
• Catherine A. Moore of Wilmington, Aquinas Academy
• Morgan L. Dixon of Wilmington, Mount Pleasant High School
• Jordann Duncan of Wilmington, Brandywine 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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