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Four Florida Students to Receive Horatio Alger National Scholarship Worth $20,000
Harry S. Patten and Herbert A.“Herbie” Wertheim to Join the Horatio Alger Association

WASHINGTON, April 7, 2011 – The Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans, Inc., will welcome Harry S. Patten, Herbert A.“Herbie” Wertheim and four Florida scholars this spring in Washington, D.C.

Patten and Wertheim 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 stories, visit http://www.horatioalger.org/news_pr_members.cfm.

The Horatio Alger Association is also pleased to announce that it has awarded four students from Florida the Horatio Alger National Scholarship worth $20,000 to fund their college education. Gabriel A. Barrios of Davie who attends NOVA High School, Shanda Jean Baptiste of Lauderhill who attends Blanche Ely High School, Karis J. Mobley of Key West who attends Key West High School, and Kervin A. Pierre of Ft. Lauderdale who attends University School Nova Southeastern will receive the esteemed scholarship for a four-year college or university of their choice, also during the Washington ceremonies.

Barrios, Baptiste, Mobley and Pierre 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.

“Florida is being represented this year not only by two outstanding new members but also by four 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; Anousheh Ansari, Co-Founder and CEO, Prodea Systems, Inc. and Spaceflight Participant, Russian Space Program; 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; Josue “Joe” Robles Jr., President and Chief Executive Officer, United Services Automobile Association (USAA); 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).

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 deserving young people 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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