Students Awarded Scholarships from atTAcK addiction

Seven Delaware Tech students have each been awarded a $1,000 scholarship from atTAcK addiction. Danielle Aalderink, Danielle Archer, Sage Bunce, Angela Digiacomo, Dana Duquette, Amanda Haines, and Kayla Kaminski were selected based upon 500-word essays they submitted that explained how they have had an impact or will impact the fight against substance use disorder within their community or school.

atTAcK addiction is a Delaware non-profit organization founded in 2013 in memory of Tyler Armstrong Keister after his accidental overdose. The volunteer organization provides assistance and support for those who suffer from or are impacted by addiction through meetings, housing, and working to influence relevant legislation.

In addition, atTAcK addiction has been presenting scholarships since 2016. This year’s recipients were announced in September and formally recognized at the organization’s annual gala on October 20, 2021.

“Generally, there are five $1,000 scholarships awarded per year, but this year we were able to award a few more and felt a great need to do so given the toll that COVID has taken on this community in particular,” said Dawn Hess-Fischer of atTAcK addiction.

The scholarship program is open to any student pursuing a college education (two- or four-year degree) or a certified trade program and who meets the eligibility requirements. The eligibility requirements call for the applicant to currently be in recovery and is returning to college and pursuing a behavioral science degree in order to make an impact in the field of substance use disorder.

“I am so happy for these students,” said Silja Walter, a human services instructor who connected some of the students with the scholarship opportunity. “They each wrote heartfelt essays that revealed their own stories of recovery.”

According to the recipients, the impact of the scholarships will be significant and meaningful:

Amanda Haines, human services drug and alcohol counseling student: “It meant the world to me to receive the scholarship. I had been an addict for over 20 years and it has been a long hard road to get to where I am today. My goal is to help those trapped in the chains of addiction and let them know there is a way out, and with this scholarship it helps me get one step closer to achieving that goal.”

Danielle Aalderink, nursing student: “Being selected for the atTAcK addiction scholarship is such an honor. Not only does the foundation believe in me, but they stand behind me in order to continue making a change in the stigma associated with recovery, as well as making a difference in the community.”

Danielle Archer, nursing student: “I’m incredibly honored and grateful to have been chosen for the atTAcK addiction scholarship. I have the utmost respect for that organization for helping individuals who struggle with addiction. Any amount of money awarded to me is greatly appreciated and assisting me in furthering my education.”

Kayla Kaminski, nursing student: “I am honored to be receiving the atTAcK addiction scholarship. It is mind-blowing that an addict like me is in nursing school. My dream is to be the helping hand for the addict still suffering. I pray my experience gives them hope, because we do recover!”

PHOTO:
From left, Delaware Tech student scholarship recipients Sage Bunce, Kayla Kaminski, Angela Digiacomo, Danielle Archer, Matt Rall (a scholarship recipient, but not a Delaware Tech student), Danielle Aalderink, and Amanda Haines. Not pictured is Dana Duquette.