Jasmine Dezurn wins $25,000 scholarship and all-expense trip to Washington, D.C.
Saint Peter High School senior Jasmine Dezurn was recently named as a recipient of a 2023 Horatio Alger National Scholarship, which is valued at $25,000. In addition to the scholarship, Dezurn also receives an all-expense paid trip to Washington, D.C. for the National Scholars.
Horatio Alger Scholarships recognize outstanding students who have exhibited determination, integrity and perseverance in overcoming adversity, in addition to a financial need. Along with the $25,000 scholarship, each recipient will receive mentoring through the Horatio Alger Association, and this will continue throughout their college career and beyond. Examples include:
- Financial aid counseling
- College selection advising
- Online college success seminars discussing financial literacy & budgeting, time management, health & wellness, and other issues affecting college students
- 24/7 mental health support via phone and online
- Emergency funding to assist students experiencing food insecurity, homelessness, and medical emergencies
Dezurn, who is a member of the SPHS National Honor Society chapter as well as a past participant in Mock Trial and the Social Justice Club, found out about the scholarship through the Saint Peter High School Student Services’ office and at first shied away from applying.
“I have been keeping an eye on scholarships since sophomore year, and while I had stumbled across the Horatio scholarship a few years back, I was brought back to it through the ‘Class of 2023’ Google classroom post that Mr. Vander Linden shared,” she said. “I was initially put off by it due to the sheer number of applicants, but honestly, having grown into the mindset of trying as much as possible has encouraged me enough to just go for it. After all, what was the worst that could happen?”
Dezurn is excited not only about the financial benefits this scholarship has, but also the added benefits of the counseling and advising she will receive.
“When applying, I was under the impression that they'd just hand out the money when it came time for college/university,” she said. “That's not reality at all. The Horatio Alger Association really does try to connect with its "scholars" by sending us text messages and emails, congratulating us on everyday life, and, more notably, having monthly Zoom meetings offering us information about how to navigate the college process. They really do emphasize continuing your efforts towards your goals in life by holding you accountable.”
As for her plans for graduation, Dezurn is still contemplating her options.
“I'm not sure,” Dezurn said. “I used to be terrified of these exact words, because we're often pressured into knowing what our life plan for the next five years will be straight out of high school. I do plan on attending some form of higher education, but nothing's set in stone for where I'll go.”