West Orange High Student Named 2014 Horatio Alger National Scholar

Sania Kamran, a student at West Orange High School, is one of 106 students across the U.S. to receive a  2014 Horatio Alger National Scholarship.

The Horatio Alger National Scholarship Program is one of the nation's largest, privately funded financial aid program. The program is a part of Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans, Inc., a nonprofit educational organization honoring the achievements of outstanding individuals and encouraging youth to pursue their dreams through higher education, according to a press release about the scholarship recipients. 

Kamran, along with every other recipient, was awarded $21,000 to apply toward the tuition of the college or university of choice and will have access to a variety of resources through the association, including assistance for the selection of and preparation for college, access to guidance and crisis counselors as well as mentoring programs.

The recipients of the 2014 scholarship have an average a 3.8 GPA and a mean SAT score of 1,684, which is more than 100 points above the national average, according to the release.

The release also stated that the association has awarded more than $100 million in undergraduate, graduate and specialized scholarships to students from across the United States, including all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico, and Canada, since the establishment of its scholarship programs in 1984.

Each new National Scholar will also receive an all-expense paid trip to Washington, D.C. where they are invited to attend the Association’s annual three-day event.  Here, the Association will induct 12 new Members – ranging from CEOs to philanthropists to a former United States Ambassador – in addition to recognizing the 2014 National Scholarship recipients, according to the release.

During these events, Scholars will learn more about the Association and the various support programs in which they can take partake.  Additionally, they will have the opportunity to meet and learn from the Horatio Alger Members – all of whom are elite business, civic and philanthropic leaders who, like the Scholars, have overcome significant adversities.