The Spirit of Youth Scholarship Fund is an umbrella that supports three separate scholarship opportunities for participants in American Legion Auxiliary programs. One is for American Legion Auxiliary Junior members, another for Junior Members of the Year, and one is for participants in the ALA Girls Nation program. Maryland Unit 166 member Delaney McDaniel was one of  the 2024 recipients. 

Do you have any favorite events or programs you participated in as an ALA Junior member? 
If I were to pick three of my favorite over the past 11 years of being a Junior member, I would say packing boxes for troops around Christmastime, being able to go to Nashville, Tennessee, for a national ALA Junior member meeting, and playing putt-putt golf for “Stop Soldier Suicide” at my local post.


What did it mean to you to receive Junior Member of the Year twice at the state level? 
I felt very honored and loved to be able to represent my unit.

What was your ALA Girls State experience like? 
It was very eye opening. I was so glad I went and got to experience it! It was eye opening because I was able to spend the week on a college campus and meet a bunch of girls my age with the same interests and goals as me. It was overall a very fun and educational week — definitely recommend it to anyone who has an interest in applying.
 
What college are you attending, and what are you studying?
I’m attending Towson University, majoring in early childhood education.

What sparked your interest in this area of study?
My mom inspired me to become a teacher — she is a middle school teacher. Growing up, I was able to watch and see her show love and support to all her students, and I want to be able to provide the same support and love to my future students. 

What inspired you to apply for an ALA Spirit of Youth Scholarship?
College is expensive, so applying for this scholarship allowed me to be able to provide some financial support. The ALA Spirit of Youth scholarship was the perfect fit since I was an active Junior member for the ALA.

How did you feel when you found out you won this scholarship?
I was shocked and so thankful to be chosen as the recipient.

What would you say to other youth who are eligible for this scholarship?
Go for it! The worst that could happen is that you do not get it, but just try anyway.

Is there anything else you want to add?
I loved being a part of the Juniors program and cannot wait to continue my service as a senior member.