Terrence J. Giroux Appointed to Commission on Presidential Scholars, Continuing a Lifetime of Service to Educational Excellence

WASHINGTON, Sept. 17, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans is proud to announce that Terrence J. Giroux, Executive Director Emeritus of the Association, has been appointed by President Donald J. Trump to serve on the Commission on Presidential Scholars, whose members help select and honor recipients of one of the nation's highest distinctions for graduating high school seniors.

Mr. Giroux's appointment reflects a distinguished career dedicated to expanding educational opportunity and recognizing the potential of young people who demonstrate achievement, leadership, character, and resilience. As a Commissioner, he will help select outstanding students from across the United States for recognition as U.S. Presidential Scholars.

"I am deeply honored and grateful to President Trump for the opportunity to serve on the Commission on Presidential Scholars," said Mr. Giroux. "I have always been inspired by young people whose character, resolve, and faith have enabled them to overcome challenges and use their God-given talents to the fullest. It will be a privilege to help recognize these exceptional students and their promise as our nation's future leaders."

"Terry Giroux is a man of extraordinary character who has devoted his life to service and to expanding opportunity for young people," said the Honorable R. James Nicholson, former U.S. Secretary of Veterans Affairs, former U.S. Ambassador to the Holy See, and a Horatio Alger Award recipient and member of the Association's Board of Directors. "He brings to this important responsibility the judgment, integrity, and deep respect for achievement that have defined his career. His appointment by President Trump is a fitting recognition of those qualities, and I know he will serve our nation's students with great distinction."

"Throughout his career, Terry Giroux has exemplified the very ideals that the Presidential Scholars Program represents—perseverance, integrity, and a deep commitment to helping young people succeed," said James F. Dicke II, Chairman of the Horatio Alger Association. "For decades, Terry has devoted himself to recognizing potential in young people and helping them realize it. His appointment is both a fitting recognition of his life's work and a continuation of his enduring impact on generations of students."

Mr. Giroux served as Executive Director of the Horatio Alger Association for 36 years, from 1988 to 2024. Under his leadership, the Association grew into one of the nation's largest providers of need-based scholarships, awarding more than $265 million to more than 37,000 students across the United States and Canada. Many of these students were the first in their families to attend college or pursue career and technical education.

A hallmark of Mr. Giroux's leadership has been his unwavering belief in the potential of young people to overcome adversity and build successful lives. He championed not only access to scholarships, but also a comprehensive system of Scholar Support Programs providing academic resources, wellness services, career guidance, and emergency assistance—helping ensure that students have the resources to succeed well beyond the initial scholarship award.

Mr. Giroux also has been a strong advocate for career and technical education and for expanding scholarship opportunities for students pursuing skilled trades and technical careers, an area of achievement recognized by the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program.

Established in 1964 by executive order, the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program recognizes some of the nation's most distinguished graduating high school seniors for achievement in academics, the arts, and career and technical education. Members of the Commission on Presidential Scholars are appointed by the President and are responsible for the final selection of U.S. Presidential Scholars.

For Mr. Giroux, the appointment represents a natural continuation of more than three decades devoted to recognizing promise, expanding opportunity, and helping young people realize their potential.

Mr. Giroux and his wife, Barbara and their family, reside in Virginia, where they continue to support educational and civic initiatives and remain committed to advancing opportunities for the next generation.

About the Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans:
Founded in 1947, the Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans, Inc. upholds the belief that hard work, honesty, and determination enable individuals to overcome adversity and achieve success. The Association honors exceptional leaders who exemplify this spirit by presenting them with the Horatio Alger Award and inducting them as lifetime members. Through the support of its members and friends, the Association helps promising students to pursue their dreams through higher education. In 2026, the Association has budgeted to award $19 million in need-based scholarships to up to 1,800 students across the United States and Canada, along with academic, personal, and professional support services. Over the past 41 years, the Association has awarded more than $275 million in scholarships to more than 38,000 deserving students. For more information, visit www.horatioalger.org.

SOURCE Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans, Inc.