Contact: Lindsay Hyman
Qorvis Communications
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Local Student Awarded Postgraduate Horatio Alger Scholarship of $40,000
Brian Thomas Will Pursue a Master’s Degree in Pacific International Affairs with Scholarship Assistance

WASHINGTON, August 5, 2010 – The Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans is proud to announce that Brian C. Thomas of Opelousas, La., has been awarded the Dennis R. Washington Achievement Scholarship to assist in funding his postgraduate education. Brian will receive $40,000 from the association.

Brian was eligible for this scholarship because he is a 2004 alumnus of the Horatio Alger Louisiana State Scholarship Program — an award given to high school seniors who overcame adversity and life obstacles while excelling in academics and contributing to their communities. The Dennis R. Washington Achievement Scholarship is awarded to students seeking graduate and professional degrees and is made possible by a $10 million grant from chairman emeritus and Horatio Alger member Dennis R. Washington, and his wife, Phyllis.

Brian originally hails from Opelousas, La. and currently resides in Washington, D.C. He graduated from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette with a bachelor’s degree in business administration in 2008. This fall, Brian will pursue a master’s degree in pacific international affairs at University of California, San Diego with the help of the Dennis R. Washington Achievement Scholarship. Brian plans to eventually serve as an advisor on economics and national security matters in either the private or public sector.

“My wish is to be of service to the global community to help alleviate some of the international conflicts and challenges, while contributing to the continued advancement and protection of the United States," said Brian.

“We are proud to support Brian in the next chapter of his academic career,” said Tony Novelly, president and chief executive officer of the Horatio Alger Association. “Brian is a steward of the Horatio Alger mission through his perseverance, commitment to lifelong learning and helping those in need. The association is also grateful for the financial support and numerous contributions of Dennis and Phyllis Washington.”

Dennis R. Washington, founder of the Washington Companies, has his own Horatio Alger story of inspiration and success. Facing childhood polio and other adversities, Washington’s work ethic and unwavering motivation helped him to become vice president of the largest construction company in Montana by age 26. Later, he created his own construction company, which grew to be one of the largest in the nation. The Washingtons believe in the power of education and helping young people in need reach their dreams, and have given a great deal of time and support to the association and various other charities.

Brian joins three other 2010 Dennis R. Washington Achievement Scholarship recipients: Seyer A. Baqi of Smyrna, Del.; Thanh T. Le of Mechanicsburg, Pa.; and Stephanie J. Nielsen of Audubon, Iowa.

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. Since 1984, the association has awarded over $70 million in college scholarships to deserving young people. The association is a Combined Federal Campaign participant; # 77062. For more information, please visit www.horatioalger.org.

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