Contact: Lindsay Hyman
Qorvis Communications
(202) 683-3238
lhyman@qorvis.com

Twenty-five South Dakota Students Awarded Prestigious Horatio Alger State Scholarship
MidAmerican Energy Foundation Provides $125,000 to Fund Scholarships for Teens that Overcame Adversity

WASHINGTON, May 12, 2009 – The Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans is pleased to announce that it has awarded scholarships to 25 deserving high school students in South Dakota. Each scholar will receive $5,000 to assist in funding their college education. The students were selected for the Horatio Alger South Dakota State Scholarships because they persevered in overcoming adversity while also demonstrating excellence in academics, admirable character and community contributions.

“The South Dakota scholars have overcome great obstacles and we are proud to present this award,” said Terrence J. Giroux, Executive Director of the Horatio Alger Association. “Through this scholarship program, we celebrate their accomplishments and help them reach their future goals.”

The Horatio Alger State Scholarship Programs range from $2,500 to $10,500 and are sponsored by Horatio Alger members and friends. These scholarships are offered in 29 states. In 2009, the programs are awarding more than 600 state scholarships to students throughout the country.

The South Dakota scholarships are made possible by the MidAmerican Energy Foundation.

“We are indebted to the contributions of the MidAmerican Energy Foundation,” Giroux added. “They are truly stewards of the Horatio Alger mission. Their support enables us to continue to offer young people access to a brighter future through higher education.”

Horatio Alger scholars are provided with numerous resources to ensure a successful college career. Each student receives:

• Financial aid guidance to assist in the selection of, and preparation for, college.
• Access to the association’s Web site, 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 to program coordinators for assistance with questions about their scholarships and other educational programs.

The 2009 South Dakota recipients are:

• Janessa R. Noram of Beresford, Beresford High School
• Sarah M. Thvedt of Beresford, Beresford High School
• Candace A. Shippy of Colome, Colome High School
• Johnathan R. Schultz of Dell Rapids, Saint Mary High School
• Rachel A. Schleich of Emery, Hanson High School
• Gabrielle A. Lund of Groton, Groton High School
• Tomena J. Oakleaf of Hartford, West Central High School
• Tyann T. Slepikas of Huron, Huron High School
• Skye M. Lindquist of Kadoka, Kadoka High School
• Cindy M. Syrovatka of Lesterville, Scotland High School
• Megan J. Pifer of Madison, Madison High School
• Rachael D. Porch of Martin, Bennett County High School
• Grace M. McMillin of Martin, Bennett County High School
• Samantha J. Woehl of Menno, Menno High School
• Chelsey R. Schlechter of Miller, Miller Area High School
• Samantha D. Taft of Norris, White River High School
• Jamie F. Ten Fingers of Oglala, Red Cloud High School
• Blossom H. Buum of Olivet, Menno High School
• Samantha J. Peterson of Pierre, T.F. Riggs High School
• Melissa M. Shoulders of Pine Ridge, Red Cloud High School
• Joshua A. Huston of Porucpine, Red Cloud High School
• Alyssa Sturm of Rapid City, Stevens High School
• Ashalyn m. Hartsook of Sioux Falls, Washington High School
• Jordan L. Boyle of Vivian, Jones County High School
• Brittaney M. Schroeder of Yankton, Irene Wakonda Public School

Scholars are encouraged to remain connected with the association throughout their lives and become active members of the Horatio Alger alumni group.

About The Horatio Alger Association

Founded in 1947, the Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans continues to fulfill its mission of honoring the achievements of outstanding individuals in our society who have succeeded in spite of adversity and of encouraging young people to pursue their dreams through higher education. The Horatio Alger Association offers three annual scholarship programs: the National Scholarship Program, State Scholarship Programs and Graduate Grants. The association awards nearly $7 million annually in college scholarships and has given more than $63 million to deserving students since 1984. The association is a 2008-2009 Combined Federal Campaign participant. For more information, please visit www.horatioalger.org.

###