The Horatio Alger Association Announces New Ambassador; Greek Tenor Mario Frangoulis to Serve as Mentor

WASHINGTON, Nov. 19 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans made two significant announcements today. The need-based scholarship provider announced its new representative for young scholars. World-renowned tenor and humanitarian, Mario Frangoulis will serve as the "International Ambassador for the Horatio Alger Association." The Association also stated today that it will offer scholarship programs in all 50 states beginning in 2010.

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"We are pleased to announce Mario as the Association's new Ambassador," said Terrence J. Giroux, Executive Director of theWashington-based Horatio Alger Association. "Mario is a talented and world-renowned musician, whose passion for mentoring young people and whose own Horatio Alger experiences qualify him to relate to the young people we serve. We believe Mario brings a broader perspective and new means to communicate the Association's mission and messages."

The Horatio Alger Association, one of the largest privately funded need-based scholarship providers in the country, will make the announcement in conjunction with Frangoulis' visit toWashington, D.C. He is inWashington to perform a concert with Sarah Brightman at the Verizon Center today. The pair will perform duets together in 28 North American cities through the end of the year as part of Brightman's winter tour.

On Thursday, November 20, Frangoulis has been invited to speak and perform at the Embassy ofGreece as part of the Greek Armed Services Day commemoration. At that event, he will be named Ambassador for the Horatio Alger Association.

In addition to being a classical crossover tenor with a diverse musical range, Frangoulis is recognized for his global philanthropic and humanitarian efforts. Since April of 2006, Frangoulis has helped raise awareness of the mission and programs of the Horatio Alger Association. Like characters in Horatio Alger books, Frangoulis has overcome challenges in his own life, including being separated from his parents at age four. He speaks of how music has been a source of healing and expression throughout his life. Frangoulis is not a member of the Association or one of its scholars, but he believes enthusiastically in its mission and in encouraging people to strive for their full potential.

"No matter what your background is, no matter how much trouble you have in your life, no matter what your parents do or how much money they have, you can come out of it ahead. Never give up. Keep your passion going," Frangoulis urges youth audiences across the world.

TheWashington area concert is scheduled to begin at 8:00 p.m. tonight at the Verizon Center.

The Horatio Alger Association has conducted special concert events with Mario Frangoulis inChicago in October 2006,Boston in November 2007, and most recently inOmaha in November 2008. The tenor, who started his career at age 17, began recording for Sony Classical inGreece in 1998, and his recordings consistently topped the international charts. The release of Sometimes I Dream tapped a global audience, with material that draws freely on opera, rock, film and pop music. For more information on Mario Frangoulis and his upcoming winter tour, please visit www.mariofrangoulis.com.

The Horatio Alger Association is proud to announce another important milestone. It will offer state scholarships in all 50 states beginning in 2010. The Association currently sponsors State Scholarship Programs in 26 states with awards ranging from $2,500-$10,500. This includes a scholarship program specifically for students in theWashington, DC metropolitan area sponsored by Horatio Alger Member Anthony Welters. In addition to state scholarships, the Association also awards National Scholarships and scholarships to recent military veterans.

In 2009, with support from its Members and friends, the Horatio Alger Association will have awarded more than $73 million in need-based college scholarships to deserving young people across the country. To learn more about the Horatio Alger Scholarship Programs, visit https://www.horatioalger.org/scholarships/index.cfm.

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 and state scholarship programs, available to high school seniors in all 50 states, and the Horatio Alger Military Veterans Scholarship Program for U.S. veterans of theAfghanistan andIraq conflicts. The Association awards more than $10 million annually in college scholarships and has given over $63 million to deserving students since 1984. The Association is a 2008 Combined Federal Campaign participant, ID# 77062. For more information about the scholarships, please visit www.horatioalger.org.

SOURCE Horatio Alger Association

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