Aryana Coelho Memorial Scholarship

We would like to offer this scholarship to honor our loved one Aryana Coelho who was just 18 years old when she was tragically taken from her loved ones due to a fentanyl overdose. Despite facing numerous challenges in her life, Aryana always poured love and kindness into those around her. She specifically loved her two younger sisters and took pride in being the oldest sibling. Aryana had big dreams and a passion for culinary arts, often putting her own creative twist on the dishes she cooked. Unfortunately, addiction changed the course of her life, and it only took one moment to alter her path forever.

The youth opioid crisis in the United States has become a growing public health emergency, with rising numbers of adolescents and young adults becoming victims of opioid addiction and overdose deaths. This crisis is fueled by the widespread availability of prescription painkillers, fentanyl, and other synthetic opioids, which have made their way into schools, communities, and homes. Many young people begin experimenting with opioids due to peer pressure, mental health struggles, or a lack of education about the dangers of these substances. As a result, opioid misuse has led to devastating consequences, including severe addiction, damaged futures, and tragically, an increasing number of fatal overdoses. Efforts to address the crisis include better education, improved access to treatment, and stricter regulations on prescription medications, but the epidemic remains a critical challenge to public health.

This scholarship seeks to honor the young life of Aryana Coelho by supporting students who have faced addiction or watched a loved one go through it.

Any high school senior in the New England area who is pursuing a 2 or 4 year college degree or trade school and has faced addiction, either personally or through a loved one, may apply for this scholarship opportunity. Applicants pursuing the culinary arts are especially encouraged to apply.

To apply, tell us how addiction has impacted your life, what challenges you have faced, and how these experiences have affected your goals, values, and aspirations.