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Fifty Nebraska Students Awarded Prestigious Horatio Alger State Scholarship
The Knights of Ak-Sar-Ben Foundation Provides $250,000 to Fund Scholarships for Teens that Overcame Adversity

WASHINGTON, June 16, 2009 –The Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans is pleased to announce that it has awarded scholarships to 50 deserving high school students in Nebraska. Each scholar will receive $5,000 to assist in funding their college education. The students were selected for the Horatio Alger Ak-Sar-Ben State Scholarship because they persevered in overcoming adversity while also demonstrating excellence in academics, admirable character and community contributions.

“The Ak-Sar-Ben 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 Ak-Sar-Ben scholarships are made possible by The Knights of Ak-Sar-Ben Foundation, which has supported the state with scholarships through the Horatio Alger Association since 2006.

“We are indebted to the contributions of The Knights of Ak-Sar-Ben Foundation,” Sokol added. “The foundation is truly a steward 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 Ak-Sar-Ben recipients are:

• Cody M. Bland of Ayr, Blue Hill Community High School
• Dalton W. Hyke of Arapahoe, Arapahoe Public School
• Jacob J. Smiley of Bassett, Rock County High School
• Bethany L. McFeely of Bellevue, Papillion-LaVista South High School
• Amanda D. Arnold of Belvidere, Meridian High School
• Sarah A. Johnson of Boys Town, Boys Town High School
• Halley J. Marfisi of Boys Town, Boys Town High School
• Amber L. Smith of Broken Bow Ansley Public School
• Kyle T. Gibbens of Cozad, Cozad High School
• Sara E. Murray of Creighton, Creighton Community High School
• Jason A. Jagels of Davenport, Bruning-Davenport Unified High School
• Jenna K. Zimmer of Early, Schaller Crestland High School
• Megan L. Kaster of Falls City, Falls City High School
• Benjamin J. Baudler of Fontanelle, Nodaway Valley High School
• Benjamin A. Balasa of Franklin, Franklin Public High School
• Katie E. Frenzen of Fullerton, Fullerton High School
• Anna M. Keiser of Gothenburg, Gothenburg Public School
• Ashley R. Baasch of Grand Island, Northwest High School
• Samantha J. Mitchell, Grand Island, Grand Island Senior High School
• Kiley B. Preisendorf of Grand Island, Grand Island Senior High School
• Hannah L. Schmale of Gretna, Gretna High School
• Kendra J. Dickinson of Griswold, Griswold High School
• Allysen R. Korn of Humphrey, Humphrey Jr/Sr High School
• Hans J. Christensen of Johnson, Johnson-Brock Public School
• Christina A. Rice of Kearney, Kearney High School
• Anayanci M. Aldana of Lexington, Lexington High School
• Brooke R. Sullivan of Lincoln, Lincoln Southwest High School
• Jesse T. Smidt of Lyons, West Point Junior/Senior High School
• Cammie J. Schwartz of Mullen, Mullen High School
• Alycia M. Blevins of Norfolk, Norfolk Senior High School
• Ronicka L. Fairchild of Omaha, Northwest High School
• Zachary P. Craft of Omaha, Creighton Preparatory School
• Rebecca J. Blair of Omaha, Ralston High School
• Shalah G. Dare of Omaha, Ralston High School
• Alex J. Wermers of Omaha, Creighton Preparatory School
• Jordan R. Moss of Omaha, Creighton Preparatory School
• Jesse D. Baldwin of Ord, Ord High School
• Kate M. Seifer of Paxton, Mcpherson County High School
• Allison M. Hubert of Pierce, Pierce Public High School
• Britnee L. Turk of Pierce, Pierce Public High School
• Fayelen M. Gerteisen of Pierce, Pierce Public High School
• Kathy J. Venteicher of Pierce, Pierce Public High School
• Wendi J. Burbach of Randolph, Randolph High School
• Sara Maddox of Scottsbluff, Scottsbluff High School
• Justin D. Berger of Spalding, Spalding Public School
• Janteice A. Holston of Superior, Lawrence/Nelson Community School
• Shane T. Hennessy, Waverly, Waverly High School
• Andi D. Diediker of Wayne, Wayne High School
• Jennifer L. Peterson of Wisner, Wisner Pilger High School
• Christopher A. Biermann of Wisner, Wisner Pilger 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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