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Local Student Awarded Postgraduate Horatio Alger Scholarship of $90,000
Thanh T. Le Will Pursue Osteopathic Medicine with Scholarship Assistance

WASHINGTON, August 5, 2010 – The Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans is proud to announce that Thanh T. Le of Mechanicsburg, Pa., has been awarded the Dennis R. Washington Achievement Scholarship to assist in funding her postgraduate education. Thanh will receive $90,000 from the association.

Thanh was eligible for this scholarship because she is a 2006 alumna of the Horatio Alger National 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.

Thanh, originally from Vietnam, moved to the United States when she was eight years old. Her father relocated to the United States when she was only six months old to build a foundation for Thanh and her family to later join him. As a result, she had to spend her early years away from her father, but quickly learned about the American Dream and all of its opportunities. Despite the many challenges she faced, Thanh remained committed to her education, and with the help of the association, she enrolled in Lebanon Valley College and graduated in May 2010 with a bachelor’s degree in biology/pre-med, a minor in chemistry, and a minor in art.

With the help of the Dennis R. Washington Achievement Scholarship, Thanh will pursue a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) degree at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. Thanh hopes to become a reconstructive plastic surgeon, helping those who suffer from injuries, deformities and birth defects. Inspired by her birth country where so many suffer from cleft palates, Thanh is particularly motivated to serve others in a missionary capacity in underdeveloped countries.

“I have both a passion for art and medicine,” said Thanh. “Through research and study, I’ve learned that reconstructive plastic surgery truly is an art, and a way to bring art and medicine together to help people.”

“We are proud to support Thanh in the next chapter of her academic career,” said Tony Novelly, president and chief executive officer of the Horatio Alger Association. “Thanh is a steward of the Horatio Alger mission through her 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.

Thanh joins three other 2010 Dennis R. Washington Achievement Scholarship recipients: Seyer A. Baqi of Smyrna, Del.; Stephanie J. Nielsen of Audubon, Iowa; and Brian C. Thomas of Opelousas, La.

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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