29/09/2026
Some friendships never leave the field. 💚💛
The Ball4All Foundation is proud to carry on the legacy of Russell White, an Indian River High School graduate who lost his life while serving our country shortly after graduation. Each year, the Russell White Scholarship honors an IR student who shares his commitment to serving others and making their community stronger.
Last night, friends who once played alongside Russell under the stadium lights returned to care for his memorial. Matt Mitchell, Jonny Meiklejohn, Mark Williamson and James Lockard showed up, along with Coach Jimmy Bunting, Michele Mitchell, MJ and Miles Mitchell, and Jerry Meiklejohn. They pulled together to bring this place back to life—and to make sure Russell’s name and story remain part of Indian River.
Thank you to Lord’s Landscaping for donating the plants and to Meiklejohn Hardscapes for donating the mulch and repairing pavers that needed attention. Jerry also redid the lighting, so Russell’s memorial will shine at the next football game. And to Miles and MJ Mitchell: thank you for getting your hands dirty alongside the dads. Watching the next generation help care for this place means so much.
This memorial belongs to Russell, but we know it may also bring to mind someone else our community lost far too soon. We hope it gives people a place to pause, remember, and feel how much those lives still matter.
To everyone who came out: thank you for showing Miles, MJ and all of us what it looks like to show up for a friend, year after year. Russell would be proud of the good you’re continuing to do in his name. 💚
Indian River students interested in the Russell White Scholarship can see their school guidance counselor for current application details. Applicants are asked to share their commitment to community service and how the scholarship would help them reach their goals.
Thank you boys! This is what service looks like.💪🏻
