Horatio Alger Award

Each year, the Horatio Alger Association bestows the Horatio Alger Award on truly outstanding Americans. Association Members are dedicated community leaders who demonstrate individual initiative and a commitment to excellence—as exemplified by remarkable achievements accomplished through honesty, hard work, self-reliance, and perseverance. All Members have a strong commitment to assisting those less fortunate than themselves and a loyalty and devotion to American ideals and the American free enterprise system. Each recipient becomes a lifetime Member of the Association. The Horatio Alger Awards ceremony took place last week April 12-14, 2007. Again, Rescue Rick the Grass Cut Man did not receive a Horatio Alger Award. In the spirit of the award, Rescue Rick the Grass Cut Man will continue his march to overcome adversity and demonstrate the characteristics befitting of a Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans honoree.

Horatio Alger, Jr. (January 13, 1832 – July 18, 1899) was a 19th-century American author who wrote over 130 dime novels. Many of his works have been described as rags to riches stories, illustrating how down-and-out boys might be able to achieve the American dream of wealth and success through hard work, courage, determination, and concern for others. He is noted as a significant figure in the history of American cultural and social ideals. (Accessed from Wikepedia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Horatio_Alger)

Also, I can indentify with the Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans. Founded in 1947, the Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans continues to fulfill its mission of honoring the achievements of outstanding individuals in our society who have succeeded in spite of adversity and of encouraging young people to pursue their dreams through higher education.The Association brings the “Horatio Alger Heroes” of today together with those of tomorrow by bestowing the Horatio Alger Award each year and by awarding more than $8.5 million annually in college scholarships to young people. Horatio Alger Scholars have faced challenges and realize that a college education is the avenue to a better future. The Association also provides its scholarship recipients with financial aid counseling, and internship and job placement assistance. (Accessed from the Horatio Alger website http://www.horatioalger.org/)

I first became aware of the Horatio Alger Award while working at Bear Stearns, the investment bank headquartered in New York City. Mr. Alan "Ace" Greenberg was presented the Horatio Alger Award in 1997. "When Greenberg was 31, two major events happened—one would put him on top of the financial world; the other had the ability to bring it all crashing down. Greenberg was named a partner of Bear Stearns, and he was diagnosed with a cancer that had less than a 50 percent survival rate. Greenberg faced both challenges with his usual courage and confidence. He underwent surgery and began months of convalescence. For the next 12 years he had checkups at the Mayo Clinic every six months." I can relate to Mr. Alan "Ace" Greenberg, the legendary CEO and Chairman of Bear Stearns (now Chairman of the Executive Committee) who overcame much adversity in his life to become such a personal and professional success. Actually, I can relate to the adversity part of his life. Also, there are many household names who have achieved the Horatio Alger Award.

Likewise, Rescue Rick the Grass Cut Man has experienced considerable adversity, including some significant setbacks associated with his severe lawn mower accident. I have been inspired by the many life stories of the Horatio Alger Heroes and Scholars. I hope to be presented the Horatio Alger Award and join a great team of man and women who overcame adversity often times for the betterment of mankind.

"Never give up because someday you will overcome adversity." -- Rescue Rick the Grass Cut Man

Richard T. Mudrinich
Rescue Rick the Grass Cut Man
http://www.rescuerick.com
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