University of South Alabama freshman nursing student Timothy Hutcherson, 19, has been awarded the prestigious 2007 Horatio Alger National Scholarship. The Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans funds the scholarship program for college students who have faced adversity. More than 105 winners nationwide each received a scholarship valued at $20,000.

In addition to the Horatio Alger Award, Hutcherson also received a computer from Force 10 Networks. Shannon King, president of Campus Crest Real Estate Management, awarded Hutcherson paid living expenses at The Grove on campus during his years at USA.

The 105 winners were flown to Washington, D.C. for the ceremony. The young scholars met U.S. Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas.

Hutcherson, a native of Hayden, Ala., said he first noticed the scholarship on a larger poster in his counselor’s office at Hayden High School.

To apply for the Horatio Alger scholarship, each applicant had to write three essays. One, describing how they would use the scholarship money, the second about a person they admired, and lastly, what hardships the applicant has overcome.

Hutcherson said, “I have been a foster kid in three different foster care programs and two homes, but have been out on my own since I was 18. I felt really honored to have met people who have gone through really tough hardships as I did.”

Dr. J. David Stearns, USA associate vice president of the enrollment services said, “By having Timothy as a winner of the Horatio Alger National Scholarship and choosing to attend USA’s nursing program, it is indicative of how he feels about USA’s outstanding program. Any institution would be extremely pleased to have him as a student.”

John Wright of the Horatio Alger Organization said, “Timothy Hutcherson was selected as national scholar because of the strength of his character, his ability to overcome adversity and his commitment to pursing a college education. The National Scholar winners are our elite students… they are the best of the best!”