#United States #Washington, D.C. #Philanthropy #Leadership #Horatio Alger

The Horatio Alger Association Unveils 2026 Award Winners

On January 27, 2026, the Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans publicly announced the 11 outstanding individuals who have been selected as recipients of the 2026 Horatio Alger Award. This prestigious honor recognizes leaders who have demonstrated remarkable resilience and commitment to uplifting others, particularly through education and philanthropic endeavors.

Since its inception 79 years ago, the Horatio Alger Association has celebrated the triumphs of individuals who have defied the odds, showcasing the spirit of the American Dream. This year’s award recipients encompass a diverse array of fields, including media, business, and space exploration. The selected honorees for the 2026 class are:

• - Maria S. Bartiromo: Anchor and Global Markets Editor at FOX Business Network.
• - Thaddeus Michael Bullard: President of Bullard Family Foundation.
• - Richard Childress: Chairman and CEO of Richard Childress Racing.
• - Eileen Collins: Retired U.S. Air Force Colonel, and former Space Shuttle Commander at NASA.
• - Dr. Peter Craig Farrell: Founder of ResMed, Inc.
• - Cordia Harrington: Founder of Crown Bakeries.
• - Imran Khan: Founder and Chief Investment Officer of Proem Advisors.
• - Byron Roth: Executive Chairman at Roth Capital Partners.
• - William W. Rowley: Chairman and Founder of Healthnetwork Foundation.
• - Robert E. Segert: Chairman and CEO of athenahealth.
• - Douglas S. Witcher: Chairman of the Board of Smart Choice.

Barbara M. Barrett, President of the Horatio Alger Association and a 1999 award recipient, expressed pride in this year's inductees, noting, "These individuals embody the transformative power of the American Dream. They set powerful examples for the next generation of leaders and commit to supporting students striving for better futures through education."

The Horatio Alger Association operates under the fundamental belief that hard work, integrity, and perseverance enable individuals to surmount obstacles and achieve remarkable success. Through the accomplishments of its members, the association not only celebrates these triumphs but also inspires the younger generation to seek opportunities created by the American free-enterprise system.

Moreover, the Association plays a crucial role in educational advancement by awarding need-based scholarships to high school students persevering through adversity. Since its founding, the organization has distributed more than $275 million in scholarships to approximately 38,000 deserving students, further highlighting its commitment to facilitating education and personal development in communities across the nation.

Lesley Albanese, Chief Executive Officer of the Horatio Alger Association, emphasized that the organization symbolizes the limitless potential for success inherent in a free society. She stated, "The 2026 Horatio Alger Award recipients exemplify the resilience and service that unite our members. They serve as a beacon of inspiration for our Scholars, and I eagerly anticipate collaborating with them to promote our essential mission forward."

The formal induction of the 2026 awardees will take place during the 79th Horatio Alger Award Induction Ceremonies scheduled for April in Washington, D.C. This event coincides with the Horatio Alger National Scholars Conference, an extraordinary experience allowing over 100 students to explore the capital and interact with Association members.

To discover more about the Horatio Alger Association and its newly inducted members, visit www.horatioalger.org and engage with the organization across its platforms on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook.

Founded in 1947, the Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans, Inc. stands as a testament to the power of perseverance and determination. It embodies the belief that anyone, regardless of background, can realize their full potential through hard work and unwavering resolve. With a budget of $19 million in scholarships planned for 2026, the Association is poised to continue its support of promising students pursuing their dreams and contributing positively to society.

Through the unyielding dedication of its members, the Horatio Alger Association remains steadfast in its mission to uphold and propagate the ideals of the American Dream and free enterprise for future generations.