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Horatio Alger Association Raises More Than $13.4 Million in Support of Scholarship Programs at the 72nd Annual Horatio Alger Awards 

Press Releases Members, Association

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 17, 2019

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McKenna Young
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Horatio Alger Association Raises More Than $13.4 Million in Support of Scholarship Programs at the 72nd Annual Horatio Alger Awards

Three-day event in Washington, D.C. honored New Members and National Scholars while celebrating the power of the American Dream

WASHINGTON, D.C. (April 17, 2019) – Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans, Inc., a nonprofit educational organization honoring the achievements of outstanding individuals and encouraging youth to pursue their dreams through higher education, hosted its 72nd Annual Horatio Alger Awards in Washington, D.C. this past weekend, April 4-6, 2019. This annual event raised more than $13.4 million, which will fund the organization’s growing college scholarship programs.

As part of the annual three-day celebration, the Association inducted its New Member Class of 2019, comprised of 13 accomplished corporate, civic and cultural leaders from across the United States and Canada, all of whom have demonstrated honesty, determination and a strong work ethic in their pursuit of personal and professional success. Events during the weekend included a ceremony at the United States Supreme Court and a formal induction and show hosted by Horatio Alger Members Byron Pitts and Rob Lowe, as well as CBS News’ Norah O’Donnell. Featured performers included eight-time Grammy Award winner Gladys Knight; singer-songwriter Peter Hollens; actor Garrett Clayton, Broadway performer Betsy Wolfe; and newly-inducted Member and award-winning recording artist Jewel Kilcher.

The New Member Class of 2019 represents the organization’s core values – perseverance, integrity and a commitment to excellence – and was honored with lifetime membership into the Association:

The 106 recipients of the Horatio Alger National Scholarship, valued at $25,000, were also honored at the Awards festivities. The high school seniors were selected from thousands of applicants across the United States and are acknowledged for their unwavering commitment to continuing their education and serving their communities despite facing incredible hardships. These young men and women were recognized during events throughout the weekend and provided with the opportunity to connect with Horatio Alger Members, many of whom will serve as mentors as the Scholars enter college.

“Each year, I am inspired by the stories of strength, determination and hope that define our Association,” said Matthew K. Rose, president, Horatio Alger Association, and 2013 Horatio Alger Award recipient. “This annual celebration allows for our Members and Scholars to come together, learn about one another and forge new relationships, rooted in their shared experiences. It is an honor to be a part of an organization that recognizes the successes of our nation’s greatest leaders and empowers talented students in their pursuit of the American Dream.”

Members – like Scholars – have also faced adversities, overcoming significant life challenges to achieve their success. As part of the Association’s programming, Members actively support and encourage Scholars in an effort to build the next generation of American leaders. Members and friends of the Association fully fund its scholarship programs and importantly, 96 percent of the organization’s operating budget is spent on programs for Members and Scholars. Since the establishment of its scholarship program in 1984, Horatio Alger Association has afforded more than 25,000 students the opportunity to pursue a college education. In 2019, thanks in part to support received for the Horatio Alger Awards, the Association will award $21 million in need-based scholarships to 2,500 deserving, at-risk youth.

“The Horatio Alger Awards are a special time each year for our organization to celebrate our impact, which continues to grow each year,” said Terrence J. Giroux, executive director, Horatio Alger Association. “We are grateful to our Members, Life Partners, Scholars and friends for their participation in and support of this fantastic annual event.”

To view the complete list of 2019 Horatio Alger National Scholarship recipients, please click here.

For more information about Horatio Alger Association, please visit www.horatioalger.org. To engage on social media,follow the organization on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram using #HoratioAlgerAwards.

About Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans: 
Founded in 1947, the Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans, Inc. is dedicated to the simple but powerful belief that hard work, honesty and determination can conquer all obstacles. The Association honors the achievements of outstanding leaders who have accomplished remarkable successes in spite of adversity by bestowing upon them the Horatio Alger Award and inducting them as lifetime Members. Horatio Alger Members support promising young people with the resources and confidence needed to overcome adversity in pursuit of their dreams through higher education. In 2019, thanks in part to support received for the Horatio Alger Awards, the Association will award $21 million in undergraduate and graduate need-based scholarships to 2,500 deserving, at-risk youth across the United States and Canada. Since 1984, the Association has awarded more than $159 million in college scholarships to more than 25,000 deserving young people. For more information, please visit www.horatioalger.org.