Contact: Stephane Leblois
(703) 684-9444
sleblois@horatioalger.com

Twenty-five District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia high school seniors receive Horatio Alger Scholarships
Association Member Anthony Welters donates $130,000 to deserving local students

April 23, 2012, WASHINGTON, D.C. -The Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans is honored to announce the winners of the 2012 Horatio Alger District of Columbia, Virginia, and Maryland Scholarship sponsored by Association Member Anthony Welters. The Horatio Alger State Scholars are chosen based on their demonstrated commitment to education, their dedication to community service, and strength of character in overcoming personal obstacles to achieve academic excellence.

“We are truly honored to offer these deserving students the opportunity to pursue a college education,” said Tony Novelly, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Horatio Alger Association.  “We know that they will carry on the Horatio Alger values of perseverance and courage in the face of adversity as they continue with their education and pursue careers.”

Each scholar will receive $5,000 that will go toward their college tuition, fees, books, on-campus room and board, and other education-related expenses. In addition to the scholarship, the students will receive:

• 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 with program coordinators for assistance with questions about their scholarships and other educational programs.

The Horatio Alger Association’s scholarship programs are funded by its Members, friends of the organization, and other foundations. Since 1987, the Association has provided $1,730,932.00 in scholarships to high school seniors from the tri-state area. This year, the Horatio Alger Association’s District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia State scholarship program is made possible by Association Member Anthony Welters.
                                   
The 2012 Horatio Alger District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia Scholarship recipients are:

• Hanan Awel, Robert E. Lee High School, Springfield
• Benjamin K. Barton, Glen Burnie Senior High School, Glen Burnie
• Zarsh G. Bhatti, Gaithersburg High School, Montgomery Village
• Arthur R. Bradley, Friendship Edison Collegiate Academy, Washington
• Micaela Butler, H B Woodlawn, Arlington
• Victoria L. Campbell, Archbishop Carroll High School, Washington
• Carman B. Chatman, Thurgood Marshall Academy, Washington
• Amber J. Dixon, Thurgood Marshall Academy, Washington
• Darnell A. George, Wheaton High School, Rockville
• Edgar J. Gonzales, Archbishop Carroll High School, Washington
• Steven T. Griest, Northeast Senior High School, Pasadena
• Angela T. Johnson, Roosevelt High School, Washington
• Markieta T. Johnson, Thurgood Marshall Academy, Washington
• Krystal Le, George Mason High School, Falls Church
• Alexandro D. Melendez, Albert Einstein Senior High School, Silver Spring
• Mirna I. Mercado, Albert Einstein Senior High School, Silver Spring
• Tyler Mills, Southern Senior High School, Tracys Landing
• Collecha K. Newby, Thurgood Marshall Academy, Washington
• Philipa Owusu-Antwi, Freedom High School, Woodbridge
• Stanley A. Portillo, Frederick High School, Frederick
• Alexandra R. Tyson, South River High School, Edgewater
• Martina Usanase, Washington Lee High School, Arlington
• Javae D. Valentine, Friendship Edison Collegiate Academy, Washington
• Jonathan N. Warren, Garfield High School, Woodbridge
• John C. Whitfield IV, Fairmont Heights High School, Riverdale

Founded in 1947, the Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans celebrates those individuals in our society whose determination and hard work enabled them to overcome life’s obstacles to achieve success. As a 501(c)(3) educational non-profit, the Association provides scholarships and mentorship to high school seniors who have demonstrated courage in the face of adversity and an unwavering desire to pursue a higher education. The Horatio Alger Association has awarded more than $90 million in college scholarships since the inception of its scholarship programs in 1984. For more information, please visit www.horatioalger.org.

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