April Died 25 Years Ago - Legacy: Support Art Scholarship

May 24, 2024 marks the 25th anniversary of the death of April D. Posey. She passed away when she was 27 years old and had just graduated with a degree in Fine Arts from the University of Akron.

April was born April 16, 1972, in Akron, Ohio. We were married on July 9, 1994. She was my biggest supporter when I came out as gay. She had such an inner strength, we remained best friends.

She graduated magna cum laude from the University of Akron on May 15, 1999. She taught metalsmithing at the Massillon Museum and was a teachers' assistant in undergraduate metal classes for three years. April was a phenomenal human being with a strong spirit. To those who knew her and loved her, she was a teacher, friend, truth, and the light of their lives.

She feel ill the day after graduation and was diagnosed with acute leukemia and was hospitalized and died within a week. It came out of nowhere and was so tragic.

Her passion was art and she would have undoubtedly done great things if given the chance. To give others a chance she was robbed from I set up The April Posey Memorial Scholarship fund with an initial donation of $10,000. Every year since her death the University has awarded an art student a small scholarship. To ensure the scholarship continues to be April’s legacy I am asking for donations in April's name. It doesn’t have to be a large amount: $25 to $50 adds up. I did lower my expectations from raising $5000, to raising $2,500. Please help me out.

Chris Bleuenstein