Darien Youth Board Raises $5K for New Scholarship Fund

DARIEN, CT — The Darien Community Association’s (DCA) Youth Leadership Board (YLB) has raised $5,000 to establish a new scholarship.

The scholarship will support Darien High School students as they pursue higher education. This achievement marks a significant first milestone for the newly formed group of student leaders in its inaugural year, according to a news release.

The new scholarship will integrate into the DCA’s existing Scholarship Program.

Established in 1941, this program has historically awarded millions of dollars to hundreds of students in need. These scholarships are designated for Darien High School seniors for their initial year of college and are renewable in subsequent years.

To generate funds for this new scholarship, the nine students comprising the YLB organized a community Trivia event in March. They also engaged with local businesses and individuals to secure sponsorships.

One hundred percent of the sponsorship funds directly supported the new scholarship.

"We are incredibly proud of our students and the effort they have put into hosting a Trivia event, securing generous donations from sponsors, and supporting the scholarship program," Erin Noonan, executive director of the DCA, said. “Through sponsorships they secured and generous donations from members of our community, they raised $5,000 for the Youth Leadership Board Scholarship.”

The YLB extended gratitude to several local businesses for their contributions. These businesses include Andrew Stefanou Salon and Spa, Bankwell, Bar Method, Barrett Bookstore, Browne & Co, BMW of Darien, Charles Michael Gallery, David Harvey Jewelers, Darien Toy Box, Everything is Rosey, Gofers Ice Cream, Grieb’s Pharmacy, NOLA Physical Therapy, Post 53, The Saucy Spoon, Three Keys Team at Houlihan Lawrence, Trader Joe’s of Darien, and Whim.

"The success of the YLB’s first year reflects the strong spirit of community in Darien and the power of young people coming together to support their peers," the news release states.

The members of the 2025-26 DCA Youth Leadership Board include Kaitlyn Au, Maddie Brisbane, Maya Collins, Will Curtis, Ally Kennedy, Anden Kennedy, Addie Leonard, Sadie Noonan, and Claire Wood.