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

Twenty-five New York high school seniors receive Horatio Alger State Scholarship
Local high students awarded $125,000 for perseverance and success in the face of adversity

April 25, 2012, WASHINGTON - The Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans is honored to announce the list of the Horatio Alger New York Scholarship recipients. 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 1985, the Association has provided $1,318,412 in scholarships to high school seniors from New York.

The 2012 Horatio Alger New York Scholarship Recipients are:

• Amina Abdelaziz, Saint Johns Preparatory, Astoria
• Saima Ali, East Bronx Academy For The Future, Bronx
• Christopher Bruny, Brooklyn College Academy, Brooklyn
• Sean-Patrick K. Christo, Brooklyn Technical High School, Brooklyn
• Christine Chu, Brooklyn Technical High School, New York
• Kathleen da Silva, Seaford High School, Wantagh
• Genesis T. Dominguez, Bronx Center for Science and Mathematics, Bronx
• Samantha Foster, Dolgeville Central School, Salisbury Center
• Leslie Guerrero, Cristo Rey High School, Bronx
• Diamond H. Gumbs, Brooklyn College Academy, Brooklyn
• Julianna Iasevoli, Kings Park High School, Kings Park
• Coraima Jimenez, Brentwood High School, Brentwood
• Kelsey R. Larsen, Babylon High School, Babylon
• Chiang Ling, Brooklyn Technical High School, Brooklyn
• Robyn Mehnert, North Collins Central High, North Collins
• Corbin J. Pominville, Beaver River Central School, Castorland
• Anthony R. Riccardi, Mineola High School, Mineola
• Morgan A. Royce-Pavlot, Corning Painted Post East High School, Corning
• Ryan J. Russell, Le Roy Central School, Le Roy
• Mariah A. Santiago, Vanguard High School, New York
• Yesenia Santos, Cristo Rey High School, Bronx
• Emily A. Sarich, Bayport-Blue Point High School, Bayport
• Hannah Turner, Germantown Central School, Hudson
• Ian F. Wilson, South Lewis Senior High School, Boonville
• Kennethea A. Wilson, School Of The Arts, Rochester

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) education 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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