TJ Seniors Larnell Anderson and Anthony Love receive the Daniels Fund Scholarship.
From left, Anderson and Love prepare for graduation. Photo by Lauren Abrams
On the morning of April 22, 2009, TJ Seniors Larnell Anderson and Anthony Love woke up thinking it was just like any other day. Unbeknownst to them, in just a few hours they would both become winners of the Daniels Fund Scholarship.
The Daniels Fund Scholarship was created in 2000, and since then more than 1500 students have had the privilege of pursuing their dreams and completing college. Cable Television Innovator Bill Daniels, the inspiration of the Daniels Fund Scholarship, had a passion for investing in deserving students to help them obtain a college education. His commitment comes through the Daniels Fund Scholarship, which is targeted at worthy kids who are at risk of not being able to afford college.
Anderson, one of the scholarship recipients, grew up within an at-risk home life. With a mother at the age of 17 and two other brothers, the atmosphere was very unstable. “Things were hectic, so me and my two other brothers were split up throughout the family,” said Anderson.
Anderson was raised by his grandfather, who he says had a major impact on the person he is now. “I had a rough childhood, but because of my grandfather I never lost hope. I kept my grades up, and now it’s all paying off,” said Anderson.
In order to qualify for the scholarship, students have to be nominated by a non-profit organization. “YouthBiz is a non-profit organization that nominated me for the scholarship,” said Anderson
Youthbiz is an organization that empowers the youth with skills, confidence, and knowledge needed to overcome life’s challenges and make the most of life’s opportunities. Anderson and Love were both nominated by Youthbiz.
“When I found out I got the scholarship, it was like my future and complete success flashed before my eyes. The feeling was indescribable; a perfect mixture of shock and complete happiness,” said Anderson.
Anderson perfectly matched the profile outlined in the requirements of the scholarship. With a tough background and his constant willingness to give to others, he immediately qualified for the scholarship. “I want to help people all the time. I can’t be happy unless I’m making someone else happy, too,” said Anderson.
Because of the Daniels Fund Scholarship, Anderson is going to college next fall. “I’m going to Trinidad State for basketball; I’ve already made the team,” laughed Anderson. “After that I’m going to transfer to UCLA and hopefully play basketball there, too.”
After his grandfather passed away in December of 2007, Anderson moved in with a few of his brothers, and is now seeing success in his future. “This scholarship will open the doors to success in my life; all I’ve ever needed was an opportunity, and this is it.”
Anthony Love, another Spartan recipient of the scholarship this year, grew up in similar living conditions. When things became unstable at home, Love was moved to a group home. “And, I look at my family and I see like where they’re at; It’s just jail, jail, dead, jail,” said Love in a recent Denver Post interview.
It is because of the Daniels Fund Scholarship that college is now in Love’s future. “I’ve been accepted to DU (The University of Denver), and that’s where I’m going to go now that I’ve got this,” said Love.
On Thursday, April 23, 250 other students along with Love, Anderson, were informed that they also would receive the Daniels fund scholarship that would help them pay for whatever college expenses were present after they had applied for other scholarships and grants that were available.
