The winners of the 2022 Kristin Kosiewicz Memorial Scholarship from left, Stan Kosiewicz (Kristin’s father), Camille Romero, Brianna Nieto and Amy Anderson (stepmother). Courtesy photo
By BERNADETTE LAURITZEN
Champions of Youth Ambitions (C’YA)
Stan Kosiewicz and Amy Anderson hope to raise awareness to the dangers of substance abuse and prevent others from experiencing tragedy with the Kristin Kosiewicz Memorial Scholarship.
The family celebrated the work of local students with their first scholarship in 2022. Again this year they remind the community that even young people with good and full lives can fall prey to addiction.
“For me it was exceedingly helpful in my grieving process to possibly help another family avoid a similar tragedy. While I could not do anything to help my daughter,” father Stan Kosiewicz said. “Amy and I hope to increase awareness that one pill can kill. The previous period of experimenting with drugs is over because of the exceedingly toxic poison that fentanyl presents.”
The deadline approaches for the scholarship given in Kosiewicz’s name and while they hope every senior at LAHS applies, they know that is not possible. However, they want seniors that are considering an application to know that sharing their stories just might be educational about the deadly risks of fentanyl. The journey also may help to educate an entire community for it was an accidental overdose that took the life of Kosiewicz.
Kristin Kosiewicz
“I would like to see an increase in the number of applicants for the scholarship this year, which has been increased to $2,000,” Stan said. “Hopefully this might be an indication of increased awareness of the dangers of substance abuse.”
Last year was a learning process for Stan and wife Amy. The applications brought tears as well as an eye-opening reality of things happening in the life of our community youth. They spent the next year speaking with law enforcement, educators, behavioral health specialists and community parents. They feel that by listening to the community and including Bernalillo County and Albuquerque, has been extensive for gleaning information on the realities of fentanyl.
The Kristin Kosiewicz Memorial Scholarship continues to collect donations to further the remembrance. Questions about deadlines and requirements can be directed to Jenny McCumber with the LAPS Foundation, 505.500.6501. This scholarship deadline approaches. Find details in the LAPS scholarship packet.