Ellie Klarl, a 2015 graduate of Sandy Creek High School, was awarded the Brandon’s Key 4 Life Foundation’s “Love is Key” Scholarship earlier this month. The $1,200 scholarship honors the memory of Brandon Camacho, a former Starr’s Mill High School student who ended his life in February 2013. An accomplished student and weightlifter, Brandon aspired to become a physical therapist.
By telling his story and sharing their experience, Brandon’s parents, Alex and Iraida Camacho, hope to reduce teen suicide and help others affected by suicide.
The “Love is Key” Scholarship was established in 2013 and is awarded annually to a high school senior in Fayette County pursuing higher education. Ellie, the daughter of Manfred and Carrie Klarl of Tyrone, is a freshman at Georgia Tech.
In her essay, she wrote about the need to better equip people to help teens who may have self-destructive thoughts. “There must be awareness of a problem before someone can be directed toward getting help. People who are hurting may avoid talking about suicide because they are afraid of how others might react. As heartbreaking as the idea of suicide is, the act of suicide is far more tragic. Not only do individuals need to understand that it is acceptable – and important – to share deeply troubling thoughts, but the friends in whom those individuals confide need more guidance on what to do with that information. We must educate people about how to help someone in distress.”
The Brandon’s Key 4 Life Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to raising awareness about suicide risk factors, warning signs, and prevention by providing educational resources for teens, parents, and educators. Its mission includes providing support and comfort to those who suffer the loss of a loved one to suicide.
The third annual Brandon’s Key 4 Life Memorial Softball Tournament will be held Saturday, Sept. 19, at 8:30 a.m. at the McCurry Park complex in Fayetteville. The double-elimination tournament benefits suicide prevention and awareness programs through the Brandon’s Key 4 Life Foundation. The deadline to register teams is Aug. 28.
The event includes a silent auction. For more information or to donate items to the silent auction, contact Alex Camacho at 404-543-9468, Chip Atchley at 404-210-4519, or info@brandonskey4lifefoundation.org.
