This petition is going to friends, family, and associates of John Taddeo, whom after reading the requirements of this award/membership, believe that he undoubtedly deserves to be nominated and chosen for the 2019 Horatio Alger Award and Membership.

Lifetime membership in the Horatio Alger Association is conferred on 10-12 individuals each year with the presentation of the Horatio Alger Award. The Award symbolizes the Association’s values, including personal initiative and perseverance, leadership and commitment to excellence, belief in the free-enterprise system and the importance of higher education, community service, and the vision and determination to achieve a better future.

Each year, the Horatio Alger Association seeks to recognize and celebrate individuals whose lives and actions demonstrate outstanding character, a commitment to helping others, and the power of the human spirit. Recipients of the Horatio Alger Award are inducted as lifelong Members of the Association.

Each Member has overcome adversities and achieved success through hard work, determination, and integrity. The Association’s proud traditions and efforts to assist others are perpetuated with the induction of each new class of Members.

Horatio Alger Members serve as role models for youth by demonstrating the possibilities that exist through free enterprise. They also support need-based scholarships and educational programs and services to enable young people to pursue their dreams through higher education.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA To be considered for the Horatio Alger Award or the International Horatio Alger Award, nominees must demonstrate a commitment to the goals of the Horatio Alger Association and the purpose for which it was founded by meeting the following eligibility criteria:

1. U.S. citizenship status (not applicable for the International Horatio Alger Award).

2. Triumph over adversity. The Horatio Alger Association defines adversity as any significant economic, emotional, physical, or familial barrier to success that requires exemplary levels of dedication, hard work, and courage to overcome.

3. Achievement of outstanding professional accomplishments through individual initiative, self-reliance, hard work, commitment to excellence, enthusiasm, integrity, and perseverance.

4. Demonstrated commitment to assisting others in need.

5. Demonstrated commitment to the free-enterprise system.