The Huizengas and the 2004 Horatio Alger Florida Scholars were joined at the ceremony by the students’parents, high school principals and advisors for the occasion that included a special tour of the facilities by Dolphins’ President Eddie Jones. Dolphin’s great Dan Marino along with linebacker Zach Thomas and defensive end Jason Taylor, shared with the teens the tools and philosophies that have helped them to surpass the limitations placed on them by others to reach their goals. United States Supreme Court Associate Justice Clarence Thomas delivered a special keynote address to the scholars about preparing for their future and succeeding when the odds are stacked against them and took questions from the group.

“All of these young people have shown their ability to succeed in spite of adversities. Marti and I want them to have the opportunity to continue to excel and meet their educational goals. These students have demonstrated they can do the work and haven’t let obstacles stand in the way of their dream of getting to college. We are both pleased to play a part in helping them achieve those goals with this scholarship and wanted to congratulate them in person,” remarked Wayne Huizenga. The Horatio Alger Florida Scholarship program was initiated last year and is funded through the generosity of Marti and Wayne Huizenga. Mr. and Mrs. Huizenga have been actively involved in the Horatio Alger Association since 1992 when he was inducted as a lifetime member of the organization, which recognizes Americans who have overcome humble beginnings to achieve success. Wayne Huizenga currently serves as the Association’s Chairman Emeritus and was President & CEO from 2000 through 2002. In 1996 he was Chairman of the annual Horatio Alger Awards Induction Ceremony in Washington, DC.

This group of young people is the second to be awarded Horatio Alger Florida Scholarships, through the program that was begun in 2003 for high school seniors in Broward, Martin and St. Lucie counties who have faced and overcome adversity. Additionally, these students have critical financial need, attained academic success and performed community service to qualify for the scholarship. Each student selected as a Horatio Alger Florida Scholar receives a college scholarship of two thousand five hundred dollars that may used to attend any college or university in the United States.

Wayne Huizenga is Founder, Chairman and President of numerous companies including Waste Management, Inc., AutoNation, Blockbuster Entertainment Corporation, Republic Services, Inc. and Extended Stay America. Mr. Huizenga is also the owner of the National Football League team, the Miami Dolphins. Mr. and Mrs. Huizenga have been active supporters of many charities including the Boys and Girls Clubs, the Salvation Army, the Broward County African American Research Library and Women and Kids in Distress. The Horatio Alger Association is a non-profit educational association providing more than five million dollars a year in need-based scholarships to deserving high school seniors. For more information about the Association or its programs visit www.horatioalger.org.

High and resolution photographs of the event can be sent upon request. Interviews with Horatio Alger Florida Scholars may be scheduled upon request.