Austin seniors receive Horatio Alger scholarships – Austin Daily Herald

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Austin seniors Neh Meh and Alayna Kennedy have been recognized as 2025 Hormel Foundation Scholars by the Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans.

“I am honored and grateful to receive this scholarship,” said Neh Meh. “I believe that if it weren’t for my parents’ sacrifice, I would never have had this opportunity. Neither of them had the luxury of going to school and they gave up everything so I could. At AHS, I was lucky to have many teachers who supported me and, thanks to their skills, provided me with a lot of knowledge. A good education is very important to me because it shows how much I can endure, and I can proudly say that I have come a long way to get where I am today.”

“A good education can open many doors for the future,” says Alayna Kennedy. “I feel like APS has been there for me throughout my education. I have had many teachers who have positively influenced my perspective on education and opened my eyes to the possibilities of my future.

In addition to the scholarship, both students will receive mentoring through the Horatio Alger Association, which will continue throughout their college careers and beyond.

“The Horatio Alger Scholarships are awarded to outstanding students who have demonstrated determination, integrity and perseverance in overcoming adversity,” says Mary Beth Ebert, Minnesota field director of the Horatio Alger Association. “We are proud to have Neh and Alayna as part of this select group of students.”

To learn more about Austin Public Schools, visit http://www.austin.k12.mn.us.