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

Twenty Illinois high school seniors receive Horatio Alger Scholarships
Horatio Alger Member Doris Christopher and Brinson Foundation provide $100,000 to deserving local students

April 24, 2012, WASHINGTON, D.C. -The Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans is honored to announce the winners of the 2012 Horatio Alger Illinois Scholarship sponsored by Association Member Doris K. Christopher and the Brinson Foundation. 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 partnering foundations. Since 1990, the Association has provided $1,547,864.45 in scholarships to high school seniors from Illinois.
                                   
The 2012 Horatio Alger Illinois Scholarship Recipients are:

• Andrea L. Antenan, Calvary Academy, Springfield
• Tamara Byrd, Thornton Township High School, Harvey
• Nora Castrejon, Benito Juarez High School, Chicago
• Jonisha O. Clemons, Uplift Community High School, Chicago
• Noe Gil, Uplift Community High School, Chicago
• Allison M. Ginger, Pekin Community High School, Pekin
• Korella B. Gore, Eldorado High School, Eldorado
• Shivia T. Hardiman, King College Preparatory High School, Chicago
• Andrea M. James, Eldorado High School, Eldorado
• Benjamin A. McGuire, Eldorado High School, Raleigh
• Lena E. Miller, Beecher City High School, Beecher City
• Brenda E. Navarro, Normal Community High School, Bloomington
• Nathaniel Perdue, King College Preparatory High School, Chicago
• Katarzyna E. Pomian, John Hersey High School, Arlington Heights
• Jaclyn M. Pringle, Columbia High School, Columbia
• Morgan B. Reid, Coulterville High School, Coulterville
• Jhanneu Roberts, Chicago Waldorf High School, Chicago
• John P. St. Lawrence, South Side Baptist School, Chicago
• Paola Torres, Jones College Preparatory High School, Chicago
• Tatiana J. Valdez, New Trier Township High School, Glencoe

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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