Contact: Jill Grozalsky
Qorvis Communications
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Nine Students from Archdiocese of Washington High Schools Receive Horatio Alger Scholarships
Joe Robert Makes Scholarships Possible for Local Teens

WASHINGTON, June 28, 2011 – The Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans is pleased to announce that it has awarded scholarships to nine outstanding high school students in the Archdiocese of Washington. Each scholar will receive $5,000 toward their college education. The students were selected for the Horatio Alger state scholarship because they persevered in overcoming adversity while succeeding academically, contributing to the community and exhibiting exemplary character.

“We are privileged to provide scholarships to the deserving students from the Archdiocese of Washington to attend college and achieve the American dream, ” said Tony Novelly, president and chief executive officer of the Horatio Alger Association. “These students have overcome challenges in their lives and have become stronger, more determined people because of it.”

The scholarships are made possible by Joe Robert, a member of the Horatio Alger Association.

The scholarships provided by the Horatio Alger State Scholarship Programs range from $2,500 to $20,000 and are sponsored by Horatio Alger members and friends. In 2011, the programs are awarding more than 850 state scholarships to students throughout the country. This marks the first year that the state scholarships are assisting students in all 50 states.

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 website, 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 2011 Joe Robert Scholarship recipients are:

• Burkina Cooper, Archbishop Carroll High School, Washington
• Shelby Franklin, Don Bosco Cristo Rey High School, Takoma Park, MD
• Mary Josephine, Fuwa Archbishop Carroll High School, Washington
• Sade Lashman, Archbishop Carroll High School, Washington
• Derontae Mason, Don Bosco Cristo Rey High School, Takoma Park
• Mahlet Meshesha, Saint Johns College High School, Washington
• Crystal Payne, Archbishop Carroll High School, Washington
• Lorretta Saddler, Georgetown Visitation Preparatory School, Washington
• Gloria  Salamanca, Archbishop Carroll High School, Washington

To view the complete list of Horatio Alger scholars and members, visit our website at www.horatioalger.org. The 2012 Horatio Alger Scholarship Application will be available beginning August 1 – October 30, 2011 at www.horatioalger.org/scholarships.

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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