Seven Outstanding Students Awarded Dennis Washington Leadership Graduate Scholarships
Horatio Alger Alumni Scholars honored with highly competitive awards to pursue advanced degree programs

WASHINGTON, March 23, 2026—The Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans, Inc., a nonprofit that honors leaders who have overcome adversity and supports young people in furthering their education, today announced the 2026 recipients of its graduate scholarship programs. Five outstanding students will receive the Dennis Washington Leadership Graduate Scholarship and two will receive the Horatio Alger Graduate Achievement Scholarship. These deserving recipients were selected from more than 30 undergraduate National and State Horatio Alger Alumni Scholar applicants who demonstrated academic excellence and leadership.

The Horatio Alger Association helps young people envision the opportunities made possible through the American free-enterprise system and takes immense pride in its Alumni and current Scholars. Since 1984, the Association has awarded more than $275 million in need-based scholarships to 38,000 high school seniors who are committed to continuing their education and giving back to society, despite facing serious adversity in their lives. All of these have been privately funded by Horatio Alger Members and Friends of Distinction, who dedicate their time and resources to ensure future generations can overcome challenges and achieve success through higher education.

Dennis Washington Leadership Graduate Scholarship
Endowed in 2008 and funded by the Dennis & Phyllis Washington Foundation in partnership with the Horatio Alger Association, the Dennis Washington Leadership Graduate Scholarship invests in exceptional individuals with leadership potential who are striving to make a significant impact in their respective fields. As of 2025, the program has awarded more than $11.8 million in graduate scholarships to 148 Horatio Alger Alumni Scholars over 17 years.

Applicants must have a minimum 3.0 GPA, demonstrate leadership, integrity, and perseverance in overcoming adversity, and show a commitment to entrepreneurship and community service. Each applicant submits two essays and finalists must sit before a selection committee for a series of interviews.

The following 2026 Dennis Washington Leadership Graduate Scholars will receive up to $250,000 each to support their pursuit of graduate level education:

• Yervand Azatian is pursuing a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in neuroscience and bioengineering at Princeton University.
• Dalal Azzam is pursuing a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in biochemistry at Duke University.
• Lauren Milam will pursue a Doctor of Medicine (MD) and Master of Business Administration (MBA) at Quillen College of Medicine.
• Madison Stracke is pursuing a Juris Doctor (JD) at the University of Nebraska College of Law.
• Paxson Swierc will pursue a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in astronomy and astrophysics.

“We believe wholeheartedly that education has the power to transform lives, and this belief is at the heart of everything my family does with the Dennis & Phyllis Washington Foundation and the Horatio Alger Association,” said Phyllis Washington, Chair of the Board of the Dennis & Phyllis Washington Foundation. “When a young person with drive and determination is able to access advanced education, the possibilities are limitless. We are proud to invest in these Scholars and support them as they build the knowledge and skills needed to be the leaders of tomorrow.”

Horatio Alger Graduate Achievement Scholarship
The Horatio Alger Graduate Achievement Scholarship also supports Scholars who have shown exceptional determination in their undergraduate studies and wish to pursue advanced degrees. This program further reflects the Horatio Alger Association’s ongoing commitment to supporting Scholars throughout their academic journeys.

The following 2026 Graduate Achievement Scholarship recipients will receive up to $100,000 each to further their education:

• Zergham Ahmed is pursuing a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in computer science at Harvard University.
• Fotini Anastopoulos is pursuing a Master of Business Administration (MBA) at Northwestern University.

“We are deeply grateful to Phyllis and Dennis Washington for their generosity and their unwavering belief in young people across the country,” said Lesley Albanese, Chief Executive Officer of the Horatio Alger Association. “Our Scholars have already demonstrated extraordinary resilience, and we look forward to seeing how their new expertise will shape their fields and their futures.”

For more information on how to apply for the Dennis Washington Leadership Graduate Scholarship, please visit www.dpwfoundation.org.

For more information about Horatio Alger Association, please visit www.horatioalger.org and follow the organization on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook.

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About the Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans
Founded in 1947, the Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans, Inc. upholds the belief that hard work, honesty, and determination enable individuals to overcome adversity and achieve success. The Association honors exceptional leaders who exemplify this spirit by presenting them with the Horatio Alger Award and inducting them as lifetime members. Through the support of its members and friends, the Association helps promising students to pursue their dreams through higher education. In 2026, the Association has budgeted to award up to $19 million in need-based scholarships to up to 1,800 students across the United States and Canada, along with academic, personal, and professional support services. Over the past 41 years, the Association has awarded more than $275 million in scholarships to more than 38,000 deserving students. For more information, visit www.horatioalger.org.

CONTACT:
Melissa Ferdinand
[email protected]