Contact: Lindsay Hyman
Qorvis Communications
(202) 683-3238
lhyman@qorvis.com

Twenty-five Pennsylvania Students Awarded Prestigious Horatio Alger Franklin State Scholarship
The Pew Charitable Trusts Provides $250,000 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 Pennsylvania. Each scholar will receive $10,000 to assist in funding their college education. The students were selected for the Horatio Alger Franklin State Scholarship because they persevered in overcoming adversity while also demonstrating excellence in academics, admirable character and community contributions.

“The Franklin 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 Franklin scholarships are made possible by The Pew Charitable Trusts.

“We are indebted to the contributions of The Pew Charitable Trusts,” 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 Franklin recipients are:

• Patrick C. Fusaro of Bensalem, Bensalem High School
• Anna J. Sabo of Charleroi, Shady Side Academy
• Morgan J. Emery of Coalport, Glendale High School
• Ashley R. Draper of Coatesville, Coatesville Area Senior High School
• Sara R. Mirasola of Dillsburg, Northern Senior High School
• Rachel K. Marks of Hanover, South Western High School
• Jamie N. Milletary of Hookstown, South Side High School
• Cody J. Crawford of Indiana, Indiana Area Senior High School
• Hazel C. Fisher of McKeesport, McKeesport Area Senior High School
• Elizabeth A. Williams of Mount Pocono, Pocono Mountain West High School
• Maria A. Cooper of Philadelphia, William Bodine High School
• Laqwonda Wilson of Philadelphia, William Bodine High School
• Rafiah V. Byers-Sessoms of Philadelphia, Girard College
• Jessica T. Do of Philadelphia, William Bodine High School
• Myrline Gillot of Philadelphia, Northeast High School
• Dannaly Sam of Philadelphia, High School Creative Performing Arts
• Christianea M. Valentin of Philadelphia of G.W. Carver High School
• Tiffany A. Kimmel of Pitman, Tri-Valley High School
• Grace E. Killian of Pittsburgh, Seton-la Salle High School
• Zuwena B. Raines of Pittsburgh, Mount Alvernia High School
• Lowell A. Stine of Red Lion, York County School of Technology
• Mary E. Adams of Swarthmore, Strath Haven High School
• Sarah M. Church of West Wyoming, Wyoming Area High School
• Jennifer L. Kaucher of Wyomissing, Wyomissing Area High School
• Karli J. Study of York, Spring Grove Area Senior 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.

###