Delaney Elling is a 2016 Hot 100 first baseman/catcher from Washington, Pa., who has committed to Penn State where she plans on majoring in Bio-Medical Engineering.

The senior, who plays club ball for Wagner’s 3n2, is a standout in the classroom and on the field. Academically she has a weighted GPA of 4.75 and is 1st in her class of 265.

On the field, her hitting and defensive skills have earned her 2nd Team FloSoftball All-American honors and 1st Team All-State recognition as a catcher.

In her Thanksgiving week blog, Delaney details a recent experience where she heard the usual—and some unusual—expressions of gratitude from some kindergartners!

***

Hello everyone! Happy Thanksgiving weekend to you all!

Thanksgiving is the day that we can eat our body weight in turkey, stuffing, potatoes, and desserts, and it not appear the least bit strange!

However, the holiday is not only about the food or the holiday shopping we do this weekend, but it is about acknowledging the people, objects, and ideas we are most thankful for in our lives.

On the last day before my school’s holiday break, I had the opportunity to be a guest reader for a kindergarten class in my school district. After I finished reading the book, I asked the children what they were most thankful for.

I received the usual answers such as “my parents,” “my friends,” “my teacher,” and “my siblings,” but I also had a few answers that took me by surprise.

My personal favorite came from a young boy who answered:

“I am very thankful for silverware. All kinds: spoons, forks, knives, plates. If I didn’t have them, I would get food everywhere.” Well said, my friend!

Like the children in the kindergarten class, I am extremely thankful for my parents, my friends, my teachers, and my three sisters. As the biggest influences in my life, I am grateful that my parents, friends, teachers, and siblings all motivate and inspire me to be the best person I can be every day.

Although I cannot put into words how thankful I am for the people mentioned above, the things I am most grateful for are the opportunities that I have been given in my life.

I had the opportunity to start playing softball when I was five years old and to continue to play the game I loved while getting to travel the country. I had the opportunity to visit the colleges I had always dreamed of attending.

Lastly, two weeks ago I signed my National Letter of Intent to play softball at Pennsylvania State University surrounded by my family, friends, and supporters. Though not limited to the game of softball, the opportunities given to me have changed my life for the better.

All in all, I am thankful for the gifts God has given me in my life. Whether the gift was a person, or an opportunity, I am eternally grateful for every moment I have been given.

This week, while I appreciated my Thanksgiving feast surrounded by my family and friends, I not only give thanks to those around me, but I also voiced my thanks for silverware. After all, as my young friend said, “I would get food everywhere.”

Happy Holidays to you and your family!

Delaney Elling
Class of 2016
We Are...