GR student receives $25,000 scholarship

One Green River student has received a $25,000 scholarship from the Horatio Alger National Scholarship, which can be used at any college of choice.

Green River High School senior Mary Harris was quite surprised when she recently received the news.

“I’m just really honored to receive it,” Harris said.

According to a press release, “This annual scholarship recognizes outstanding students, who, in the face of great adversity, have exhibited an admirable commitment to continuing their education and serving their communities.”

Harris said in the application she had to describe the hardships she faced and what she has done to overcome those hardships. She also was asked to provide three letters of recommendations, her overall GPA and volunteer-service record.

She also listed all of the activities or extra curricular activities she was involved in, including the National Honor Society, Student Council, Young Authors, mentorship program, We the People, Girls State and cheerleading.

Harris is one of 106 students have been selected to receive this scholarship and knows how much it will help her.

“I’m just really grateful,” she said, “It’s just life changing.”

“The association is pleased to recognize the 106 deserving 2019 National Scholars,” Matthew Rose, president, Horatio Alger Association and 2013 Horatio Alger Award recipient, said. “This group of students have demonstrated positive thinking, unwavering determination and the discipline to prevail in the face of adversity. My fellow members and I are proud to support these scholars as they embark on their higher education journeys and beyond.”

Not only is Harris excited about the scholarship, but the networking opportunity she will have in Washington D.C. in April.

According to the press release, each National Scholar will receive a trip to Washington, D.C. on April 4-6, to attend the Horatio Alger National Scholars Conference and participate in college preparedness and other educational sessions.

While in D.C., Horatio Alger Scholars will have an opportunity to learn about the association, its esteemed members and the various support programs in which they can partake during their collegiate careers. Harris will also be recognized at the Association’s 72 Horatio Alger Award Induction Ceremonies.

Harris said this trip is a way for her to meet people who are successful and had to overcome hardships to become successful.

About the Horatio Alger National Scholarship

Since the establishment of its scholarship programs in 1984, more than 25,000 students from all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and Canada have received more than $159 million in scholarships for undergraduate, graduate and technical studies. Administering one of the nation’s largest privately-funded, need-based financial aid programs for college students, the association will award more than $2.6 million to its National Scholars in 2019.