The family of Aiden Conner Cornwell has founded the Live Like Aiden Memorial Foundation, a registered 501(c)3 that will award college scholarships and provide youth hunting and gun safety education.
Aiden, who would have been a senior at Southeast Bulloch High School this year, tragically lost his life in a hunting accident on New Year’s Eve of 2020. Aiden was just 13 years old.
Since that time, his family has mourned his loss deeply. Aiden’s mother, Jennifer Key, says they have laughed and cried, remembering the smart, sweet, spunky, and mischievous boy that Aiden was.
He was an avid hunter and fisherman, especially when accompanying his beloved Pa, and he was a Mr. Fix-It around the house. Sometimes, he would take things apart just to see how exactly they worked. He also loved spending time with his sister, Anna Claire, and his dog, Fifer, who were his closest and constant companions.
At Southeast Bulloch Middle School, Aiden was a beloved member of the school family, too. He had a passion for STEM class with Mr. Derrick Mathis, with dreams of pursuing architectural engineering and technology in college, and was an energetic player on Coach Tom Lieu’s tennis team.
Whether at home or at school, Aiden had a deep love for life and for others.
While Aiden will sadly never get to live out his dreams, his family is carrying on his legacy with heavy but hopeful hearts. Through this foundation, they will now be able to improve the lives of other young people in two primary ways.
They plan to award annual college scholarships in Aiden’s name, with the first awards in the spring of 2025 – when he would have graduated from SEB. These scholarships will be for those intending to major in the subjects Aiden loved: science, technology, engineering, math, and outdoor/natural resources.
In addition, the foundation will offer classes and seminars on youth hunting and gun safety for all ages. They also plan to offer technology camps and clay shoots in the future.
“We believe educating youth and adults on hunting and gun safety can help prevent another child's life from being taken like Aiden's,” Jennifer says.
The foundation’s first board of directors was specially selected by Aiden’s family and is made up of individuals who will ensure its success. The board includes Mark Guarino, Talan Williams, Rachel Edwards, Laura Scott, Tom Lieu, Charlotte Oglesby, and Angie McGlamery.
Going forward, the goal of the Live Like Aiden Memorial Foundation is to help students achieve their educational goals and promote safety in the activities Aiden loved. Through this work, his family is keeping his memory alive and inspiring others to live life as he did—with enthusiasm, kindness, and a bit of mischief.
"We are forever grateful for the outpouring of love, support, and generosity,” Jennifer said on behalf of husband Dennis and daughters Anna Claire and Lainey. “Your kindness continues Aiden's legacy of helping others."
All donations to the foundation are fully tax-deductible. They can be made online here, made by mail (mail checks to Live Like Aiden Memorial Foundation, P. O. Box 801, Statesboro, GA 30459), or given in person at Bulloch First Bank (1101 Brampton Ave., Statesboro, GA 30458).
Scholarship applications for this year are due by February 28, 2025, and application/eligibility details can be found here. Details about gun safety seminars are forthcoming.
For more information on the Live Like Aiden Memorial Foundation, please visit www.livelikeaiden.org.
