Teenagers encouraged to drive and ride safely
Brandon Stites was a scholar, an athlete, a son, a grandson, a brother, and a friend who had close ties to Marion County. Ten years ago, in April of 2015, he lost his life just over a month before his high school graduation when he got into the car with a friend who had been drinking.
"I had his cap and gown. I had his invitations ordered and sent out," his mom, Mary Parks, told a group of absolutely silent 10th-12th graders at Marion County High School as she talked to them about preventing tragedy.
Brandon, who played football and ran track, had dreams of attending the University of Florida. He was just 17 when the car he was in hit a tree, killing him instantly.
Since that day, his mo...
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