Built by Faith: Brandon James’ Legacy Lives On Through Memorial Scholarship

For Brandon James, wrestling was never just about the moments he spent alone on the mat. It was about the teammates standing in his corner — and the opportunity to stand in theirs. He encouraged younger wrestlers, showed up for his team even when an injury kept him from competing, and made sure the people around him knew they had someone rooting for them.

 

That spirit of service is how Brandon’s mother and stepfather, Daisy and Michael Benedict, hope he will continue to be remembered, not only for the student-athlete he was, but for the way he cared for others.  

“Brandon, he was just a beautiful kid,” Daisy said. “He was very giving. He had the kindest heart, just a great old soul, really. He loved helping others.” 

A student-athlete and wrestler at Foster High School, Brandon built some of his closest friendships through the wrestling program. His faith, family, friendships and love of the sport were central to his life. And although wrestling can appear to be an individual sport, his mother said Brandon never saw it that way. “For him, it was always about the team,” Daisy said. “He stayed humble, he stayed kind.” 

Brandon passed away before he had the opportunity to graduate with the Foster High School Class of 2026. He had planned to pursue a degree in exercise and sports science with hopes of becoming an athletic trainer, a future that reflected what his family says came naturally to him: helping others.  

Now, his family is making sure that part of his story continues.  

The Benedict family established the Brandon James Built by Faith Foundation to carry forward the qualities that defined Brandon’s life, including faith, character, leadership, compassion and service. As part of that mission, the family created the Brandon James Memorial Scholarship, which will be awarded annually to a graduating student-athlete from Foster High School who plans to continue their education at a college, university or trade school.  

The scholarship looks beyond wins, records and athletic accomplishments. Its selection criteria include faith, character, perseverance, teamwork, academic commitment and service — qualities Brandon’s family says reflected the way he lived his own life.  

For Daisy, creating an opportunity for another Foster student felt like a fitting way to honor her son while giving back to the community that meant so much to their family.  

“I wanted to really pour into these kids and to honor an athlete, a student-athlete, at Foster High School,” she said. “His memory is really important to us, and really making sure that his name is remembered, what he stood for, and to continue to pour into the community back at Foster that gave us so much.” 

Helping Brandon’s family turn that vision into an opportunity for another Lamar CISD student is the Lamar Educational Awards Foundation (LEAF), the District’s nonprofit partner supporting scholarships, educator grants and programs that expand opportunities for students and staff.  

For LEAF Executive Director Kameela Lewis, the partnership represents more than establishing another scholarship. It provides an opportunity for one Lamar CISD student’s impact to continue through another. 

“Brandon’s story is a powerful reminder that the impact a student makes can reach far beyond their time in our schools,” Lewis said. “We are honored to partner with Brandon’s family to help carry his legacy forward and create an opportunity for another Foster High School student to pursue their future.” 

The Benedict family hopes the first scholarship is only the beginning, with an opportunity to expand the effort and reach more students in the years ahead. 

“We’re just really thankful for this opportunity to collaborate with LEAF,” Daisy said. “We hope that we can pour into someone special this year.”  

That hope extends beyond the scholarship. The family envisions the Brandon James Built by Faith Foundation supporting young people through mentorship, athlete devotionals, community outreach and Legacy Workouts designed to strengthen young athletes while developing perseverance, leadership, character and faith. 

For Brandon’s family, each part of that work is another way to carry forward the qualities they saw in the young man who quietly encouraged his friends, supported his teammates and found purpose in serving others. 

Through the Brandon James Memorial Scholarship, another Foster High School student will have someone standing in their corner as they take their next step. 

And in many ways, Brandon will still be there, too.

If you are interested in learning more about establishing a memorial scholarship through the Lamar Educational Awards Foundation (LEAF), please contact the foundation at LEAF@LCISD.org. 

Click HERE to learn more about LEAF.