Ethan Chapin's Legacy Lives On Through Scholarships

Five months after his tragic murder, the family of Ethan Chapin is honoring his memory by providing scholarships to students pursuing their dreams.

Amidst the unimaginable grief and sorrow that has enveloped the Chapin family since the brutal murder of their son, Ethan, a glimmer of hope and remembrance has emerged. Five months after the senseless tragedy, the family has established Ethan's Smile, a charitable foundation that aims to keep their beloved son's legacy alive through the power of education.

Last week, the foundation distributed 33 scholarships to deserving students during a bittersweet ceremony. The scholarships, totaling over $50,000, were awarded to individuals pursuing a wide range of dreams, from traditional academic programs to beauty and vocational schools.

"We can't think of a better way to honor Ethan," said Ethan's mother, Stacy Chapin. "We wanted our kids to have an education so they can stand on their own two feet, and it became 'Let's pay it forward in Ethan's honor.'"

Unlike many academic scholarships that focus solely on academic achievement, Ethan's Smile seeks to support any student with a dream, regardless of their background or aspirations. "We wanted a scholarship for any kid that has any dream," said Stacy. "I can't wait for 20 years from now when these kids come back and say …‘This is what I did with my life.'"

The foundation has been met with an outpouring of support from donors across the country, including country music star Morgan Wallen, who helped raise awareness and boost the fund's initial contributions. The family hopes to continue growing the fund until the interest alone can cover scholarships every year.

Ethan's murder, along with that of his girlfriend, Xana Kernodle, and two other friends, Kaylee Goncalves and Madison Mogen, sent shockwaves through the University of Idaho campus and beyond. The suspect, Bryan Kohberger, a criminology Ph.D. student at neighboring Washington State University, was arrested and is awaiting trial, potentially facing the death penalty if convicted.

Amidst the ongoing legal proceedings, the Chapin family finds solace in knowing that Ethan's memory will continue to inspire and support others. They established Ethan's Smile with the belief that education has the power to transform lives and create a brighter future, one that Ethan would have wanted to see.

Those interested in supporting the foundation and its mission of providing scholarships to deserving students can learn more and donate through the organization's website at www.ethansmile.org.

Ethan Chapin's dreams may have been cut short, but his legacy will live on in the lives of countless young people who will benefit from the foundation established in his memory. His smile, which once illuminated the lives of his loved ones, will now continue to brighten the paths of others for generations to come.