Hewlett High School Senior Named Horatio Alger Scholar

HEWLETT, NY — As the academic year draws to a close, Hewlett High School senior Darsh Chavre isn’t done picking up accolades: Chavre was announced as a Horatio Alger Scholar this week, an honor that district officials say recognizes students who combine academic excellence with leadership, integrity and perseverance.

The man for whom Chavre’s scholarship is named, Horatio Alger, rose to fame in the late 1800s as a novelist synonymous with “rags to riches” stories, publishing hundreds of works with some coming after his 1899 death.

Founded in 1947, the Horatio Alger Association seeks to provide students with support based on three principles: Freedom, mutual respect and equality of opportunity.

“Through unrestricted access to education and employment, everyone should have an equal chance to pursue their goals and reach their potential, regardless of their background, socioeconomic status, or circumstances,” the foundation says on its website.

Given out annually by the Horatio Alger Association, the Alger scholarship recipients are selected from an applicant pool across the United States and Canada. The foundation describes itself as one that honors, “outstanding individuals who personify the American Dream,” and says it has given out $275 million to 38,000 students since 1984.

In an announcement, the Hewlett-Woodmere district said, “The District congratulates Darsh on this outstanding achievement and wishes him continued success in his future endeavors.”