Laloboy Foundation Adrio Romine CHS Alumni Memorial Scholarship
(2 Available)
This scholarship was established in 2021 to honor Chandler High’s class of 2018 Valedictorian, Adrio Romine. Adrio was a recipient of the IB Diploma Program who died on May 11, 2019 at 17 years of age after completing his first year at ASU Barrett Honors Program as a pre-med student. Adrio had a special gift that he shared with many. He was funny, kind, goofy, loved to game, and was known by many as “the smart kid”. What many didn’t know about him is that he loved to help people be at their best, make them feel important and show them kindness where he could. Adrio died by suicide. An adult predator aided him in “HOW” to kill himself, as he suffered from concealed depression.
The Laloboy Foundation Accomplished its mission in Arizona, HB2459 The Laloboy Act, is now a law. Governor Ducey signed HB2459 into law on March 17, 2021. This law makes it manslaughter, illegal for an adult predator to instruct a student on how to take their life by suicide. Arizona is the first state with a law of this kind. Now, the goal is to make this a federal law. The Laloboy Foundation is currently working with five other states to enact similar legislation. This law exists to protect young people today, and for future generations.
Adrio would want students to know “that you matter” regardless of what others may say, and that talking with a trusted adult, parent, teacher, counselor or trusted relative is okay, that it makes you brave and to not let anyone tell you differently. If someone responds negatively, then you didn’t find the right person. Don’t stop there, YOU MATTER and your story is just beginning!
We want to share your voice, so the Laloboy Foundation would like to have permission to use your essay on the Laloboy website. All essays posted would be anonymous; no name, city or school will be mentioned. Permission is not required to apply for this scholarship. Please state if you agree to have your essay used on our website. If you would be interested in volunteering with the Laloboy Foundation, please email laloboyfoundation@gmail.com.
Two (2) scholarships will be awarded in the amount of $500 each.
- Participation in extra-curricular activities
- Community service
- Pursuing a field of study in mental health services, neurology, counseling, social work or family law
- Please write a 750 word essay (Times New Roman, 12 pt. font) answering the following questions:
o How would you change the way mental illness (mental wellness) is viewed, expressed, or talked about?
o What would you want teachers, counselors, parents, and trusted adults to know about depression?
o If you were given the opportunity to make a change in mental wellness in school, what would that be?
o How would you change the culture on mental wellness today?
o How can you give support to someone you know with depression?