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

Thirteen Forth Worth high school seniors receive Horatio Alger State Scholarship
 The BNSF Railway Foundation donates $65,000 to deserving local students

April 26, 2012, WASHINGTON - The Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans is honored to announce the winners of the Horatio Alger Texas Scholarship sponsored by the BNSF Railway Foundation. The Horatio Alger State Scholars are chosen by the Horatio Alger Association based upon their demonstrated commitment to education, dedication to community service, and strength of character by 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, Horatio Alger Association, president and chief executive officer.  “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 towards their college tuition, 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 with 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 1984, the Association has provided $2,593,700 in scholarships to high school seniors from Texas.

The winners of the 2012 Horatio Alger Texas State Scholarship sponsored by the BNSF Railway Foundation are:

• Marlene Aguayo, Carter-Riverside High School
• Kiera J. Carey, Trimble Technical High School
• Mariela Garcia, Trimble Technical High School
• Reagan D. Harris, Trimble Technical High School
• Diana Hernandez, Diamond Hill-Jarvis High School
• Erika Herrera, South Hills High School
• Vanessa R. Homesley, Carter-Riverside High School
• Lorena Lomeli, Diamond Hill-Jarvis High School
• Jazmine S. Olwalia, North Crowley High .School
• Abel M. Perez-Arita, Polytechnic High School
• Thuy H. Truong, Fort Worth Country Day School
• Miriam Villegas, Carter-Riverside High School
• Jazmine Y. Williams, Trimble Technical High School

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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