Regarding the award, Frank said, “Although I have long admired this organization, I never anticipated receiving this award. I am honored to be a part of this great organization and to be affiliated with the great men and women whose stories are much more impressive than my own. I'm also very impressed with the scholars and with their accomplishments. I look forward to doing my part.” On April 9, 2015, US Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas presented Frank VanderSloot with the award in the nation’s capital. This prestigious honor recognized Frank as a “distinguished American” whose work has contributed to free enterprise and has inspired people to achieve the American Dream. Since 1947, more than 750 Americans have received this distinguished award. Recipients of the Horatio Alger Award are American leaders who have overcome significant adversity to prosper in their prospective fields. They are dedicated to things like higher education and philanthropy and charity. Past recipients of this award include Ronald Reagan, Dwight Eisenhower, Herbert Hoover, Tom Brokaw, and former NFL coach Tom Landry. The Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans is a nonprofit organization that supports education and encourages young Americans to gain higher education. The association has provided young people with over $110 million in need-based college scholarships.