Standing Up For Steven
Dedicated to the memory of Steven Daniel Whiddon
Wednesday, November 7, 2012
Friday, June 3, 2011
Walk Like MADD - Baton Rouge - 5.7.2011
Steven Daniel Whiddon "Always A Rebel" Memorial Scholarship
The Whiddon family has established a scholarship in Steven's memory that will be awarded each year to a senior CPS athlete. It is a $1000 scholarship that is renewed annually for up to four years. The scholarship will be awarded to a graduating senior athlete from CPS each year.The first recipient of this award is Daniel Holloway - below is the photo that ran in the Central City News congratulating him on his achievement.
The memorial plaque, which hangs at CPS, will have each recipient's name added to it each year.
Steven's Jersey Display at CPS
Steven's retired jersey is hanging on display at Central Private School. Alongside it are a handmade ribbon and photo card that was distributed at the ceremony. To the right of the jersey is the Steven Daniel Whiddon "Always A Rebel" Memorial Scholarship Plaque.
The photo card has a quote by Steven that was used in his senior yearbook, talking about the CPS Rebel Football team:
"We didn't have any stars. People didn't know us by our names but for the six letter word on our jerseys. Under the lights, we left cleat prints that can't be filled. We packed the little field back in the woods full of fans and Rebel spirit. Behind 6 linemen the team was lead to a 5AA district title. Hot practices and big victories are nothing more than memories now, but the chills and butterflies will live on in us until we die."
Steven's Bench and Markers
Steven's bench marking his place at Resthaven in Baton Rouge.
The front has his names, dates, and "Forever Nineteen":
The back reads "2009 Graduate Central Private School #74 - Placed in loving memory of our only son with gracious help from his family, friends and teammates - His smile and laughter will forever live in the hearts of those he called his friends"
Steven's marker at the accident site in Pierre Part, created by Jared Collier.
Steven's original accident site marker, made by Emily Cole, was moved to his favorite deer stand in Mississippi.
Tree Planting & Plaque Dedication
A tree was planted in Steven's memory in front of the football practice field at Central Private School. Members of the graduating class of 2009 assisted in planting the tree and flowers around the memorial plaque.
Driving Safe In Central
Haleigh Alexander, from Central, started a group titled "Driving Safe In Central" to promote safe driving habits by teens and adults alike. Haleigh started the group after seeing so many of her friends seriously affected by preventable traffic accidents. The group focuses on things such as not texting while driving, wearing seat belts, and avoiding driving while intoxicated or under the influence. The shirts feature the "Driving Safe In Central" logo along with the names of those who died in accidents from the Central area.
Haleigh designed and sold t-shirts printed by Cross Threads in Central. The money from the sale was generously donated to the Whiddon family to purchase a granite bench to mark Steven's gravesite. Pictured below are Ronnie Whiddon (father), Diane Whiddon (stepmother), Jodie Whiddon (mother), Emily Cole (girlfriend), and Haleigh Alexander.
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