By: Tracy Sanders, Co-Editor | tracy@thewoodrufftimes.com
It’s been ten years since Brandon Stites—a beloved Woodruff High School student and standout athlete—lost his life in a drunk driving accident. But to his mother, Mary Parks, Brandon’s story is far from over. Through a deeply personal scholarship and statewide school visits, she’s ensuring her son’s memory continues to inspire students to make life-saving choices.“Brandon was child number two of four boys,” Mary writes. “He had an outgoing personality, never met a stranger, and was always smiling.” A “superstar athlete,” Brandon played baseball as a child and grew into a passionate football and track athlete during middle and high school. He was a strong student, well-loved by peers and teachers alike.
After graduation, Brandon dreamed of becoming a Florida Gator. But in April 2014, one bad decision changed everything. He got into a car with someone who had been drinking. “It was 100% preventable,” Mary says. “My son made a bad choice, and it forever changed my family’s life.”In the months after Brandon’s passing, Mary knew she had to do something. She created the B. Stizzle Scholarship—named after Brandon’s nickname—to honor his legacy. Each year, a Woodruff High School senior receives a $1,000 scholarship and a plaque in his memory.“I want to give a piece of Brandon to someone from WHS so they can live the life Brandon didn’t,” she says. The application is simple: answer three questions and be committed to college. But the purpose is profound—to encourage students to reflect on their goals and make good decisions.
Mary doesn’t stop there. Over the past three years, she has traveled 1,992 miles and spoken to 3,380 students across South Carolina during prom season, sharing Brandon’s story to help prevent similar tragedies. Often speaking at assemblies or prom pledge events, Mary’s message is always the same: “Never think it won’t happen to you.”Brandon’s scholarship is more than a gift—it’s a call to action. “I hope this scholarship influences the student to understand the importance of making good choices,” Mary explains. “This student is not here anymore to guide them, but I hope Brandon’s story does.”When asked what makes it all worth it, Mary’s answer is simple: “After speaking with students, it’s always the hugs and the thank-yous. The reward is just to hear those words: ‘Thank you for coming to talk about your son.’”For Mary Parks, being Brandon’s mom means never letting his light fade. Through the lives she touches, his story continues—and so does his impact.
Author: Tracy Sanders
