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

Five Southern California high school seniors receive the Horatio Alger State Scholarship
Suzanne and Walter Scott Foundation provides $25,000 to deserving local students

January 9, 2012 WASHINGTON, D.C. -The Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans is honored to announce the winners of the Horatio Alger Southern California Scholarship sponsored by the Suzanne and Walter Scott 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 foundations. Since 1984, the Association has provided $6,066,200.00 in scholarships to high school seniors from California.

The 2012 Horatio Alger Southern California Scholarship recipients are:

• Karissa A. Barba, Orange High School, Santa Ana
• Ana L. Basoco, Crawford High School, San Diego
• Taylor P. Carroll, Saint Bernard Catholic High School, Playa del Rey
• Manuel A. Soto, Steele Canyon High School, Alpine
• Joelle M. Williams, Liberty High School, Discovery Bay

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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