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Horatio Alger Association's International Ambassador Honored by the Jericho Project
Tenor Mario Frangoulis Extolled as 'Voice of Hope' for the Homeless

WASHINGTON, May 26, 2010 – The Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans, Inc. is pleased to congratulate its International Ambassador, Mario Frangoulis, for being nationally recognized by the Jericho Project.

On April 29, 2010, Frangoulis was officially honored by the Jericho Project, which enables homeless individuals to reach their greatest potential, at their gala "Celebrate them Home." Frangoulis was among other individuals and organizations, including The Honorable Bob Kerry, Deutsche Bank and Deborah Roberts of ABC News, recognized for being passionate about the issue of homelessness and for bringing a voice to homelessness issues.
"We are thrilled that Mario, our ambassador for youth, is being recognized for his continued humanitarian efforts," said Terrence J. Giroux, executive director of the Horatio Alger Association. "He is truly a role model, not just for teens, but for those without a voice and those on the streets."

The Jericho Project's mission is to enable homeless individuals, including those who have experienced chronic homelessness and substance abuse, to reach their greatest potential.  They support residents in finishing their education, getting meaningful jobs and re-uniting with families.  

Frangoulis was presented as the "Voice of Hope" for 'using his award-winning voice to help families and children all around the world.'  His was also touted for work with Give Us Your Poor and for his role as a Global Ambassador for Peace on behalf of Nobel Peace Laureates including Mikhail Gorbachev and Archbishop Desmond Tutu. Mario performed a poignant version of his recording "You'll Never Walk Alone."

Frangoulis has helped raise awareness of the mission and programs of the Horatio Alger Association since April 2006. He was named International Ambassador of the Horatio Alger Association in December 2008 because of his love for mentoring and his ability to relate to teens. Like characters from the Horatio Alger books, he has overcome challenges in his own life, including being separated from his parents at age four, and he speaks of how music has been a source of healing and expression throughout his life. Mario believes enthusiastically in the mission of the association, its scholarship programs and the power of encouraging people to strive for their full potential.

Frangoulis sings in Greek, English, Spanish, Italian and French and has performed throughout the United States with major orchestras including The Chicago Symphony, the Richmond Symphony, the Baltimore Symphony, with members of the Boston Esplanade Pops Orchestra, and the Omaha Symphony. He opened the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens, and in 2008 toured with Sarah Brightman performing in 32 cities across North America and Canada. He is a featured artist on Brightman's CD 'A Winter Symphony' (2008). For more on Mario visit http://www.mariofrangoulis.com.

The Horatio Alger Association offers opportunities in each state annually ranging from $2,500 to $20,000. To learn more on Horatio Alger scholarship programs and how to apply, visit https://www.horatioalger.org/scholarships/index.cfm.

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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 more than $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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