Parker
Bernard was an 11-year old athlete and student that attended Bellbrook Middle
School. Parker passed away on February
10, 2012 due to complications following surgery to have a brain tumor
removed. Parker was and will continue to
be remembered as a boy with bright blue eyes, an ever-present smile and a
contagious laugh. Parker was not only an
excellent student but also a passionate athlete.
Several
legacies have evolved with the passing of Parker. Since 2012 a basketball tournament has been
held in his honor. The first year 25
teams participated in the tournament and every year the attendance has grown and
in 2017, 108 boys and girls teams played in the tournament. Some of the teams that participate include
Dayton Metro, South Dayton Knights, TNBA, Dayton SWISH, Beavercreek Stars, Gem
City Kings, Dayton Airmen, Miamisburg, Centerville Black, WTNO, Lake Erie
Defenders, Dayton Wolves, Ohio Hoopstars, Cincy Cavs, All Ohio, OT Elite
Rebels, Next Level Prep, Ohio Stars and many more.
In
2012 the Parker Bernard Scholarship was established at the Bellbrook High
School to be awarded to graduating seniors attending college, to date 18 students
have received a scholarship in his honor.
An endowed scholarship has also been created and is awarded annually in
his honor at the University of Dayton, these scholarships are funded by the
Parker Bernard Basketball Tournament.
The
other legacy that Parker left was through his organ donation. It was an honor to be able to donate Parker’s
organs so that others could benefit.
Parker donated his heart, liver, kidneys, pancreas and cornea’s. Because of these donations 7 people were
given a chance for a healthier life. At the young age of 11, Parker has become
a hero and inspiration to those that knew and loved him.
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