The hope behind this scholarship is to allow Aaron's memory to live on in the lives of the artists who receive it. He was a talented artist who carried the weight of depression for many years.

Aaron grew up in Anchorage, Alaska, where we both went to high school. He has always been willing to help anyone and fiercely protected those he loved. He spent time as a soldier in the U.S. Army, he was a brother, a son, and a friend. He was so much to so many.

Mental illness is sadly real, and we must not allow it to cause our loved ones to feel unworthy of life or alone. You are not alone and you are loved.

I had the opportunity to complete the design program at ECC and although Aaron did take some design classes he did not complete his degree program. If this scholarship can provide funding to allow students at ECC to further their artistic dreams, we will have fulfilled our purpose.