Five months after the brutal murder of University of Idaho student Ethan Chapin, his parents have found solace in establishing a charitable foundation that has awarded 33 scholarships to young people seeking to achieve their dreams.
Ethan Chapin's life was tragically cut short on November 13, 2022, devastating his family and the University of Idaho community. But amid the unimaginable grief, the seeds of a brighter future have been sown through Ethan's Smile, a charitable foundation established in his memory.
To date, the foundation has raised significantly more than the $50,000 distributed in scholarships last week. With the goal of endowing these scholarships in the future, Stacy Chapin, Ethan's mother, shared that "we can't think of a better way to honor Ethan."
Driven by the desire to empower students, the foundation's scholarships are unique in their inclusivity. Unlike many academic scholarships, Ethan's Smile offers support to any student attending an accredited institution, regardless of their major.
"We wanted a scholarship for any kid that has any dream," explained 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.'"
Among the generous donors who have supported Ethan's Smile is country music star Morgan Wallen. Stacy expressed her heartfelt gratitude to Wallen, whose contribution and advocacy helped raise awareness and inspire others to contribute to the scholarship fund.
Morgan Wallen poses with the Chapin family. Stacy Chapin says the country star donated to Ethan's Smile and also helped raise awareness, which led people around the country to contribute to the scholarship fund in her son's honor as well. (Stacy Chapin)
Alongside Ethan, three other students—Xana Kernodle, Kaylee Goncalves, and Madison Mogen—were tragically murdered in a home invasion attack near the University of Idaho campus. The suspected killer, Bryan Kohberger, is currently in custody awaiting trial, facing potential death penalty charges.
Ethan, a triplet, was majoring in recreation, sports, and tourism management. His siblings, Maizie and Hunter, continue to attend the university. Through Ethan's Smile, his family strives to honor his memory by providing opportunities for young people to pursue their aspirations.
Information about the charity Ethan's Smile and how to donate can be found at the official website. As the foundation continues to grow, the Chapin family remains committed to ensuring that Ethan's legacy lives on through the countless students who will benefit from these scholarships.
