Horatio Alger Association of Canada announces Ontario scholarship winners

MONTREAL, March 12, 2014 /CNW Telbec/ - The Horatio Alger Association of Canada is pleased to announce that 20 Ontario students have been awarded $5,000 scholarships each as part of the Horatio Alger Ontario Scholarship Program.

The Association offers scholarships to full-time high school students in Ontario who have a critical financial need and have demonstrated integrity and perseverance in overcoming adversity, as well as strength of character, a good academic record, a commitment to pursue higher education, and a desire to contribute to society.

"This year's winners are an exceptional group of motivated students who will shape the future of our country," said Dominic D'Alessandro, President of the Horatio Alger Association of Canada. "They are proof that with hard work and determination, anyone can overcome difficult circumstances. It is an honour for the Association to help these inspiring young leaders with their education."

This year's winners are:

Abigail H. Arnold, Cayuga Secondary School, Fisherville
NikiAnn Brideau, Welland Eastdale School, Welland
Sandra Chan, St. Robert Catholic High School, Markham
Harry (Yu Meng) Chen, University of Toronto Schools, Toronto
Flora Dinh, Madonna Catholic Secondary School, Toronto
Jessie J. Estwick, R. H. King Academy, Toronto
Valentina M. Galvis, Loretto Abbey Catholic Secondary School, Toronto
Alexandra M. Israel, Moira Secondary School, Frankford
Taylor M. Jardin, John Mccrae Secondary School, Nepean
Rintia Khan, George S. Henry Academy, Toronto
Li Te (Teresa) Lai, Riverdale Collegiate Institute, Toronto
Michelle X.Li, Sir Wilfrid Laurier Collegiate Institute, Toronto
Susan Ly, North Park College-Voccational School, Brantford
Sadia K. Mehmood, Henry Street High School, Whitby
Vincent J. Morgado, Monsignor Doyle Catholic Sec School, Cambridge
Kanak Nagee, Michael Power / St. Joseph High School, Woodbridge
Shannyn E. O'Brien, St. Mary's High School, Markdale
Meherunnisa N. Rahman, Vincent Massey High School, Windsor
Calder W. White, Welland Centennial Secondary School, Fort Erie
Samuel Yigzaw, Danforth Collegiate & Tech School, Toronto

The Association received more than 3,600 applications in the four provinces in which it currently operates. Applicant profiles confirmed the need for these needs-based scholarships. The average annual family income of applicants was $17,778; 51% had experienced death, incarceration or abandonment of a parent or guardian, and 24% had been physically and/or mentally abused. At the same time, applicants had an average high school average of 87%; 100% had been involved in community service activities, and 55% worked during the school year.

"The numbers demonstrate the critical need for this type of scholarship," added Mr. D'Alessandro. "The Association is proud to play a small role in giving these students a hand up."

About the Horatio Alger Association of Canada
The Horatio Alger Association of Canada, the Canadian affiliate of the Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans, Inc., is a non-profit educational organization dedicated to the simple but powerful belief that hard work, honesty and determination can conquer all obstacles. The Association honours the achievements of outstanding individuals in our society who have succeeded in spite of adversity and who encourage young people to pursue their dreams through higher education. The Horatio Alger Association of Canada currently awards scholarships annually to deserving young people in Alberta, British Columbia Ontario and Quebec and will expand its scholarship giving across Canada by 2015.

SOURCE: Horatio Alger Association of Canada

Adam Daifallah, HATLEY Strategy Advisors, 514.316.7089 [email protected]