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Five Texas Students to Receive Horatio Alger National Scholarship Worth $20,000
Anousheh Ansari and Josue “Joe” Robles Jr. to Join the Horatio Alger Association

WASHINGTON, March 15, 2011 – The Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans, Inc., will welcome Texans Anousheh Ansari, co-founder and CEO, Prodea Systems, Inc., and Josue “Joe” Robles, Jr., president and CEO, USAA, and five Texas scholars this spring in Washington, D.C.

Ansari and Robles will be formally inducted into the association on April 8, 2011 in Washington, D.C. because of their ability to overcome great adversity, achieve admirable accomplishments, and offer countless hours and resources to help others in need. For more on their Horatio Alger story, visit http://www.horatioalger.org/news_pr_members.cfm.

The Horatio Alger Association is also pleased to announce that it has awarded five students from Texas the Horatio Alger National Scholarship worth $20,000 to fund their college education.
Angel D. Castillo of Edinburg who attends Edinburg High School, Laura I. Hernandez of Weslaco who attends Weslaco East High School, Lazaro E. Hernandez of Brownsville who attends Brownsville Porter High School, LaTerika L. Kelly of Dallas who attends Richardson High School, and Phonevimonh Luangsouphom of Fort Worth who attends Carter-Riverside High School will receive the esteemed scholarship for a four-year college or university of their choice, also during the Washington ceremonies.

Castillo, Hernandez, Hernandez, Kelly and Luangsouphom are five of 104 high school students selected for the Horatio Alger National Scholarship Program because, much like the adult new members, they have faced and overcome great obstacles in their young lives while demonstrating strength of character, a commitment to pursue a college education, and a desire to contribute to society. The Horatio Alger scholars are among the best and most determined youth in America.

“Texas is being represented this year not only by two outstanding new members but also by five remarkable scholars,” said Tony Novelly, president and CEO, Horatio Alger Association. “We look forward to welcoming all of them during three days of learning, sharing, celebration and honoring the American Dream.”

During the three-day event in Washington, the 2011 Horatio Alger Members will meet and mingle with the 2011 National Scholars and share valuable life lessons and advice.

The association will honor the following other 10 individuals with the Horatio Alger Award:
Roger Eugene Ailes, Chairman and CEO, FOX News and Chairman,  Fox Television Stations Group; Michael R. Bloomberg, Mayor, City of New York and Founder and Owner, Bloomberg, L.P.; Leonardo DiCaprio, Actor and Film Producer; Frederic V. Malek, Founder and Chairman, Thayer Lodging Group; Harry S. Patten, Founder, Chairman and CEO, National Land Partners, LLC and Inland Management; James E. “Jim” Rohr, Chairman and CEO, PNC Financial Services Group (PNC Bank); Glenn Stearns, Chairman and Owner, Stearns Corporation; Byron D. Trott, Managing Partner and Chief Investment Officer, BDT Capital Partners, LLC; Rick Waugh, President, Chief Executive Officer and Director, Scotiabank (International Award Recipient–Canada); Herbert A. “Herbie” Wertheim, Chairman and CEO, Brain Power, Inc., Chairman, Dr. Herbert and Nicole Wertheim Family Foundation, and Founding Chairman, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine Florida International University.

In addition, the 2011 Norman Vincent Peale Award will be presented to Doré Energy Corporation President William J. Doré.

The Horatio Alger Scholarship Program is one of the largest need-based scholarship programs in the country and the association annually awards nearly $7 million in college scholarships. In addition to the $20,000 scholarship fund, each scholar is given access to tools specifically designed to help him or her prepare for college, perform better while in college, graduate at a higher rate, develop career skills, and build a lifetime relationship with the Horatio Alger Association. To view the complete list of Horatio Alger scholars and members, visit our Web site at https://www.horatioalger.org.

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 will have awarded more than $87 million in scholarships through 2012 to at-risk students determined to earn college degrees. The association is a Combined Federal Campaign participant; # 77062. For more information, please visit www.horatioalger.org

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