Cape High students named Horatio Alger scholars

After glancing through Cape High’s scholarship compendium, seniors Vienna Iacona and Alexandra Chiartas figured they might as well apply for the 2019 Horatio Alger National Scholarship.

Good thing they did: out of more than 80,000 applicants, Vienna was one of 106 students in the country to be named a national scholar, earning her a $25,000 scholarship.

“I was really excited because I have no financial support,” Vienna said. “Without it, I don’t think I’d be able to go to college.”

Alexandra was named a Horatio Alger state scholar, and received a $10,000 scholarship in honor of the late John W. Rollins.

“I was surprised,” she said. “I didn’t expect to win, so I was really happy.”

The Horatio Alger Association has awarded over $159 million in scholarships to more than 25,000 students since 1984, and will award $2.6 million to its national scholars in 2019. Scholarships are awarded to students who demonstrate financial need and maintain an average GPA of 3.75.  

Vienna is president and a co-founder of the Surfrider Foundation Delaware Chapter, parliamentarian of the National Honor Society and a member of the school Italian club and FFA. She will study environmental engineering at the University of Delaware.

A volunteer with the University of Delaware College of Earth, Ocean and Environment, Vienna spent the summer of 2018 onboard the RV Hugh R. Sharp research vessel. She heads to Washington, D.C., April 4-6 to attend the Horatio Alger National Scholars Conference.

Alexandra is a member of the National Honor Society, Leo Club, Muscle Movement Foundation, the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and the school nursing club. She will pursue a nursing degree at University of North Carolina Wilmington.

“I really enjoy helping people and want to give back to the community,” she said. “I like talking to people, so I feel that will be a good job for me.”