COEUR d'ALENE - The Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans is honored to announce the winners of the Horatio Alger Idaho Scholarship sponsored by Association Member Duane Hagadone and his wife Lola. The Horatio Alger State Scholars are chosen based on their demonstrated commitment to education, dedication to community service, and strength of character in overcoming personal obstacles to achieve academic excellence.

This year's winners, all from North Idaho, were announced Friday in a press release.

"We are truly honored to offer these deserving students the opportunity to pursue a college education," said Tony Novelly, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Horatio Alger Association. "We know that they will carry on the Horatio Alger values of perseverance and courage in the face of adversity as they continue with their education and pursue careers."

Each scholar will receive $5,000 that will go toward their college tuition, fees, books, on-campus room and board, and other education-related expenses. In addition to the scholarship, the students will receive, financial aid guidance to assist with college.

The Horatio Alger Association's scholarship programs are funded by its members, friends of the organization, and other foundations. Since 1990, the Association has provided $1,132,500.00 in scholarships to high school seniors from Idaho.

The 2012 Horatio Alger Idaho Scholarship winners:

McKay C. Babb, Moscow Senior High School, Moscow

Destani (Nikkaila) D. Bain, Moscow Senior High School, Moscow

Stillman W. Berkley, Clark Fork Junior-Senior High School, Hope

Samuel Childress, Coeur d'Alene Charter Academy, Dalton Gardens

Alysha M. Christensen, Kootenai Junior-Senior High School, St. Maries

Isaac Curtis, Potlatch High School, Potlatch

Karli D. Daniels, Clark Fork Junior-Senior High School, Hope

Tabitha I. Finn, Saint Maries High School, Fernwood

Matthew J. Greer, Saint Maries High School, Saint Maries

Katherine L. Gustafson, Sandpoint High School, Sandpoint

Zoe S. Hartman, Sandpoint High School, Sandpoint

Taylor M. Johnson, Troy Junior-Senior High School, Troy

Tre'Shawn M. Keough, Post Falls High School, Post Falls

Jaime R. Lewis, Kellogg High School, Pinehurst

Rebecca B. Mulgrew, Sandpoint High School, Sandpoint

Leah C. Muzzy, Lake City High School, Hayden

Brooke Nowlan, Timberlake High School, Spirit Lake

Blaire L. Nowlan, Timberlake High School, Spirit Lake

Pierce E. Otto, Kellogg High School, Cataldo

Talaya M. Schaum, Saint Maries High School, St. Maries

Austin L. Skellenger, Coeur d'Alene Charter Academy, Post Falls