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Qorvis Communications
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Local Student Awarded Postgraduate Horatio Alger Scholarship of $90,000
Seyer A. Baqi Will Pursue a Doctor of Dental Medicine with Scholarship Assistance

WASHINGTON, August 5, 2010 – The Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans is proud to announce that Seyer A. Baqi of Smyrna, Del. has been awarded the Dennis R. Washington Achievement Scholarship to assist in funding his postgraduate education. Seyer will receive $90,000 from the association.

Seyer was eligible for this scholarship because he is a 2006 alumnus of the Horatio Alger Delaware State Scholarship Program — an award given to high school seniors who overcame adversity and life obstacles while excelling in academics and contributing to their communities. The Dennis R. Washington Achievement Scholarship is awarded to students seeking graduate and professional degrees and is made possible by a $10 million grant from chairman emeritus and Horatio Alger member Dennis R. Washington, and his wife, Phyllis.

With the help of the Horatio Alger Association as a high school senior, Seyer attended the University of Delaware and graduated summa cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in biological sciences. This fall, Seyer will pursue a doctor of dental medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, School of Dental Medicine, entirely funded by the Dennis R. Washington Achievement Scholarship. Committed to community service, Seyer plans to practice dental medicine to help those in need.

“With the financial help of the association, I can pursue my lifelong dream which is to really make a difference in society,” said Seyer. “Having been given so many opportunities, I want to use my career as a dentist to help people who are in need, both at home and abroad.”

“We are proud to support Seyer in the next chapter of his academic career,” said Tony Novelly, president and chief executive officer of the Horatio Alger Association. “Seyer is a steward of the Horatio Alger mission through his perseverance, commitment to lifelong learning and helping those in need. The association is also grateful for the financial support and numerous contributions of Dennis and Phyllis Washington.”

Dennis R. Washington, founder of the Washington Companies, has his own Horatio Alger story of inspiration and success. Facing childhood polio and other adversities, Washington’s work ethic and unwavering motivation helped him to become vice president of the largest construction company in Montana by age 26. Later, he created his own construction company, which grew to be one of the largest in the nation. The Washingtons believe in the power of education and helping young people in need reach their dreams, and have given a great deal of time and support to the association and various other charities.

Seyer joins three other 2010 Dennis R. Washington Achievement Scholarship recipients: Brian C. Thomas of Opelousas, La., Thanh T. Le of Mechanicsburg, Pa.; and Stephanie J. Nielsen of Audubon, Iowa.

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. Since 1984, the association has awarded over $70 million in college scholarships to deserving young people. The association is a Combined Federal Campaign participant; # 77062. For more information, please visit www.horatioalger.org.

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