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Twenty-Five Illinois Students Awarded Prestigious Horatio Alger State Scholarship
The Brinson Foundation and Doris K. Christopher, Ill. Giving Club Members Provides $125,000 in Scholarships to Teens for Overcoming Adversity

WASHINGTON, June 22, 2010 – The Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans is pleased to announce that it has awarded scholarships to 25 deserving high school students in Illinois. Each scholar will receive $5,000 to assist in funding their college education. The students were selected for the Horatio Alger Illinois Scholarship because they persevered in overcoming adversity while also demonstrating excellence in academics, admirable character and community contributions.

“We are happy to help the deserving scholars from Illinois attend college and achieve the American dream,” said Tony Novelly, president and chief executive officer of the Horatio Alger Association. “These scholars have exemplified the Horatio Alger ideals by using their challenges in life as a motivator for success.”

The Illinois scholarships are made possible by The Brinson Foundation and Doris K. Christopher, Ill. Giving Club Members which has supported the scholarships through the Horatio Alger Association for three years.

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 23 states. In 2010, the programs are awarding more than 675 state scholarships to students throughout the country.

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 2010 Illinois recipients are:         

• Kathie Ayala of Maine West High School, Des Plaines
• Ashley R. Dorsey of Bronzeville Scholastic Institute, Chicago
• William Harper of Providence Catholic High School, Franfort
• Tori M. Higgason of East Alton Wood River High School, East Alton
• Amber L. Holecek of Westmont High School, Westmont
• Stephanie H. Mieczkowski of Northside College Prep High School, Chicago
• Troika S. Mitchell of Crane Tech Prep Common School, Chicago
• Michelle N. Owen of Eldoreado High School, Eldorado
• Gabriella E. Palmer of Rock Falls Township High School, Sterling
• Ciera N. Patrick of Fenwick High School, Oak Park
• Lacy R. Pearce of North Clay Community High School, Louisville
• Nicholas N. Phillips of Lindblom Math and Science Academy, Chicago
• Maria D. Razo of Benito Juarez High School, Chicago
• Angelyn N. Reyes of Saint Benedict High School, Chicago
• Wayne H. Sandlin of Elverado High School, Elkville
• Tifanny A. Shannon of Delavan High School, Delavan
• Erica Sosa of Benito Juarez High School, Chicago
• Quanyaria Story of Thornton Township High School, Harvey
• Nicholas L. Ticer of Elverado High School, Royalton
• Raven C. Tillman of Lincoln Park High School, Chicago
• Kyle P. Urbashich of Lyons Township High School, LaGrange
• Yazmika M. Walker of George Washington High School, Chicago
• Shanikca C. Watson of Amundsen High School, Chicago
• Ashley S. Weatherspoon of Hinsdale South High School, Willowbrook
• Samuel D. Wofford of DeVry Advantage Academy, Dolton

To view the complete list of Horatio Alger scholars and members, visit our Web site at https://www.horatioalger.org.  

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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