Today we’d like to introduce you to Delaney Reddell.
Hi Delaney, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, let’s briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
~DEL~ “Delivering Elderly Love”
Bridging the generational gap encourages older people and helps make connections between older people and younger populations to close the age gap. My community service work began in my hometown when I was 7. My brother and I raised chickens through 4-H and provided over 100 dozen eggs to a local Christian food bank to benefit those in need. One of my most life-changing experiences was being introduced to the non-profit organization Three Wishes for Ruby’s Residents in 2021. I was recommended by a friend, interviewed by the Kid Board, and selected as the Youth Literacy Director for my local nursing home. After serving a year as the Youth Literacy Director, I transitioned to the main Kid Board position in 2022. I help grant small wishes and deliver elderly love to seniors in long-term care. Rich or poor, it’s that simple. This opportunity opened the door to my Community Service Initiative, which I am incredibly proud to represent, “DEL.” With many other youths, I work closely with essential healthcare staff to learn what would make residents happy or what they need, and then go to work to make it happen. Over 90% of our nursing home residents have less than one monthly visitor. They need us now more than ever. The little things bring residents joy, whether small or oversized items. I listen to requests and needs and make a plan of action to respond accordingly. I aim to help make lives sweet again. I love the wisdom and life experiences the elderly offer. Some of the hands-on experiences and accomplishments I have had the privilege of completing have been:
- Bringing Smile sacks/birthday gifts each month to local nursing home residents
- Organized/grew a garden at the local nursing home with the help of my family and Three Wishes for Ruby’s Residents.
- Serve as a presenter/special speaker on behalf of Three Wishes for Ruby’s Residents at various venues, occasions, and schools.
- Helped create a library with books donated at my local nursing home
- Helped organize “Sticky Notes” for Seniors at school and involved high school and elementary students.
- Lunch and Show and Tell with Kids and Seniors.
- More Precious than Rubies-Jewelry Box.
I compete in the Miss America Organization. This organization emphasizes “Service,” one of the four important points of the crown, through education and leadership through serving others, which is complimentary to my Community Service Initiative (CSI). My CSI focus is “Delivering Elderly Love,” bridging the generational gap to encourage older people and make connections to the younger generations focused on serving others. This requires both online and in-person activities, some of which I will complete individually, while others will with the help of the Three Wishes for Ruby’s Residents Non-Profit Organization. To educate more people on a larger scale, I try to use my personal Facebook and Instagram pages to share my program in as many schools as possible and accept any requests for me to speak to civic groups at church functions or club meetings. By implementing this, I hope to accomplish my ultimate goal of teaching and instilling in communities that small acts of kindness can make a difference in the lives of our elderly, and anyone can contribute to that success. As a youth leader and a Miss Arkansas Teen Candidate, my mission is to bridge the generations to create more awareness and make connections by representing Three Wishes for Ruby’s Residents and spreading love for the young and old across Arkansas and our great nation.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I am limited by the things I can do sometimes because of my age. Some people don’t love older people like I do, but that’s okay. I embrace a good challenge!
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might need to become more familiar, what can you tell them about what you do?
Current Schooling: Attends Jasper High School-8th Grade
Scholastic/Career Ambition: Graduate from Jasper High School; Earn a Bachelor’s Degree while playing collegiate basketball; Attend Medical School to become a Forensic Pathologist and earn my Master’s Degree; Be Happy; Go to Heaven;
Talent: I love to sing and encourage others through songs about God’s love. I have been singing since I was born
Accomplishments:
- 2nd in Our Diamond Miss Nationals-Talent 2021
- Princess of America Arkansas Superstar 2022
- 2nd in Princess of America Nationals-Superstar 2022
- Diamond State Princess for 4 years (2019-2022)
- FFA member- President of Conduct of Chaper Meetings Lincoln SubArea
1st Place~Conduct of Chapter Meetings - Co-founder of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes at Jasper High School 2023
- Alpha Award Winner for Evening Gown, Fitness and Arrival at Miss Arkansas Teen 2023
- Academic Excellence/All A’s Honor Roll Gifted & Talented Program Quiz Bowl Team
- Basketball Camp MVP/Obstacle Course & Hustle Awards
- Jr. High Basketball All-Conference Award 2022/2023
- Literacy Director/Kid Board Member at Three Wishes for Ruby’s Residents
Interesting Facts: I live in Jasper, Arkansas, just 5 minutes from the Buffalo River. There are less than 40 students in my grade at my high school. I can go to sleep quickly. I love to watch mystery & forensic shows.
Personal health initiatives: I love sports; it is my primary means of staying healthy and fit! Basketball is my favorite, but I enjoy running in Cross Country and Track. I just started participating in Tennis as well. During my 7th Grade year last year, although only attending a small school, I was moved up to play on the Jr. High Varsity Basketball Team, where I was a starter in every game in the 2022-2023. I remain a starter this season, and I am a team leader. I also play on a travel team, made up of 8th graders, called the Arkansas Mavericks. I drink lots of water!
What social issue, other than your CSI, will impact your generation most and why?
In this ever-changing world, where there is a filter for everything and transparency and accountability are lost concepts, remaining one’s true self on social media is the issue that could have the greatest impact on my generation.
Bucket list in the next five years:
- Help as many elderly and youth as possible.
- Go Sky Diving
- Graduate High School and start college
- Be crowned Miss Arkansas Teen and Miss America Teen.
What do you like and dislike?
Likes:
– Likes to ask a lot of questions
– Meeting new people
– Trying new things
– Loves sour things, especially sour pickles
– Loves people
– Loves God above all
– Singing
– Playing Basketball
– Camping/boating/skiing/tubing
– Traveling
– Grape Propel
– Hiking
– Mystery/Murder Movies
– Shopping
– Caramel Apples with pecans
– Dogs
– Horses
– Sunshine
Dislikes:
– Grand Daddy Long legs
– Roosters
– Snakes
– Spiders
– Disorganization
– Horror Movies
– Early mornings
– Curvy roads
– Sharks
– Freezing temperatures
Contact Info:
- Instagram: delbel_1915
- Facebook: Delaney Reddell
- Other: Elaine Ricketts Reddell on Facebook
