PMHS Senior DeShae Beasley - Horatio Alger Award Winner

(April 13, 2006) – The 59th Annual Horatio Alger Awards & Induction Ceremony honored 106 of the nation’s top academic scholars in Washington, DC, April 6-8, 2006. The theme of the events was "Live the American Dream: Freedom, Education and Opportunity."

Those selected received a $10,000 scholarship toward their college education, as well as an all-expense paid trip to Washington, DC, to attend the National Scholars Conference. The recipients were chosen from a pool of more than 43,000 applicants, and displayed extreme financial need, while overcoming adversity in their lives. For example, over 40 percent of this year’s applicants had either been in foster care at some point in their life or currently are in the foster care system.

"Horatio Alger Scholars have faced challenges and realize that a college education is the avenue to a better future," said Walter Scott, Jr., Chairman, Horatio Alger Association.

"We are thrilled and honored that Oprah Winfrey and so many other admirable Americans were there to recognize the accomplishments of these bright 2006 National Scholars."

The Members Luncheon, held at the U.S. Department of State, Friday, April 7, 2006, featured remarks by Oprah Winfrey. Following her remarks, Ms. Winfrey greeted and took photographs with each of the National Scholars for 2006, a highlight for many of the scholarship recipients.

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 Association also provides its scholarship recipients with financial aid counseling, and internship and job placement assistance.

The Horatio Alger Association is a non-profit educational association which, since 1984 has provided more than $45 million in scholarships to more than 8,000 students. In 2006 alone, the Association has provided nearly $8.5 million in need-based college scholarships to young people who have proven their ability to overcome adversities and humble beginnings.