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Twenty-five Illinois Students Awarded Prestigious Horatio Alger State Scholarship
The Brinson Foundation, Doris K. Christopher and Illinois Giving Club Members Provide $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 Illinois. Each scholar will receive $5,000 to assist in funding their college education. The students were selected for the Horatio Alger Illinois State Scholarship because they persevered in overcoming adversity while also demonstrating excellence in academics, admirable character and community contributions.

“The Illinois 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 Illinois scholarships are made possible by The Brinson Foundation, Doris K. Christopher and Illinois Giving Club Members.

“We are indebted to the contributions of The Brinson Foundation, Doris K. Christopher and Illinois Giving Club Members,” 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 Illinois recipients are:

• Abagail A. Thompson of Athens, Athens Community High School
• Haley K. Michael of Buckingham, Herscher High School
• Ina M. Patterson of Champaign, Champaign Central High School
• Michael P. McNichols of Chicago, Schurz High School
• Mayra Andrade of Chicago, Benito Juarez High School
• Denise L. Akuamoah of Chicago, University Chicago Lab High School
• Rebecca J. Tryba of Chicago, Notre Dame High School for Girls
• Maya Clark of Chicago, Luther High School North
• Tinia Harris of Chicago, Lindblom Math and Science Academy
• Lace L. Bailey of Chicago, Fenger High School
• Tynisha L. Sudberry of Chicago, Lindblom Math and Science Academy
• Alejandro Sanchez of Chicago, Benito Juarez High School
• Kaera D. Watson of Davis Junction, Stillman Valley High School
• Audree M. Moore of Eldorado, Eldorado High School
• Andrea M. Garay of Joliet, Joliet Central High School
• Alexei S. Douglas of Macomb, Macomb High School
• Alicea Hardiman of Maywood, Proviso East High School
• Kelly A. Toy of Olney, East Richland High School
• Lena D. Moore of Riverdale, Thornton Township High School
• Austin N. Lamkey of Riverton, Williamsville High School
• Jaclyn Suffi of Rolling Meadows, Christian Liberty Academy
• Taylor A. Barkley of Saint Francisville, Lawrenceville High School
• Shelby M. Montgomery of Tolono, Unity High School
• Bianca R. LaCour of Wheeling, Buffalo Grove High School
• Amanda A. Latimer of Woodstock, Marian Central Catholic 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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