McDaniel College Surprises Baltimore Teens with Full Scholarships

Four high school seniors from the city receive full tuition awards in surprise announcement.

Mar. 25, 2026 at 2:02am

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McDaniel College, a private liberal arts school in Westminster, Maryland, surprised four Baltimore City high school seniors with full tuition scholarships. The recipients, Izabela Gonzalez and Alanna O'Mara York from Poly High School, and Tania Worsley and Dale McLaughlin, were shocked to receive the news of the four-year scholarships.

Why it matters

This scholarship program aims to provide access to higher education for talented students from underserved communities in Baltimore, helping them achieve their academic and career goals without the financial burden of college tuition.

The details

McDaniel College administrators visited the high schools to personally deliver the scholarship news to the unsuspecting students. The full-ride scholarships cover tuition, room, and board, allowing the recipients to attend the college at no cost.

  • The scholarship announcements were made on March 25, 2026.

The players

McDaniel College

A private liberal arts college located in Westminster, Maryland, that offers the full-tuition scholarships to Baltimore City high school students.

Izabela Gonzalez

A senior at Poly High School in Baltimore who received a full scholarship from McDaniel College.

Alanna O'Mara York

A senior at Poly High School in Baltimore who received a full scholarship from McDaniel College.

Tania Worsley

A senior from a Baltimore City high school who received a full scholarship from McDaniel College.

Dale McLaughlin

A senior from a Baltimore City high school who received a full scholarship from McDaniel College.

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What they’re saying

“We are thrilled to provide these talented students with the opportunity to attend McDaniel College and pursue their academic and personal goals.”

— Dr. Julia Jasken, President of McDaniel College

What’s next

The scholarship recipients will begin their studies at McDaniel College in the fall of 2026.

The takeaway

This scholarship program demonstrates McDaniel College's commitment to expanding access to higher education and supporting the academic aspirations of promising students from underrepresented communities in Baltimore.