Support the Brandon Q. Gmelin Memorial Scholarship

Honoring the Life and Legacy of Brandon Q. Gmelin

On July 16, 2025, our world changed forever. We lost Brandon—only 18 years old, but already a beacon of joy, tenderness, and quiet leadership. His passing leaves a space that cannot be filled, but his spirit continues to guide and inspire all who knew him.

Brandon had a unique way of lighting up every room, every field, and every heart. Whether joking around with his sisters, teasing his parents with a quick grin, or tossing a ball to his beloved dog Cody, Brandon made everyone feel seen, heard, and cared for. His humor was effortless, his warmth boundless.

He was also a remarkable athlete, deeply dedicated to soccer and lacrosse. But if you ask his coaches or teammates what truly set Brandon apart, it wasn’t just his talent—it was his heart, his work ethic, and his caring. He was the one who lifted others up. The one who noticed the nervous player and gave them the confidence to step onto the field. The one who stayed late to practice with someone who needed it. The one who celebrated not only his own victories, but everyone else’s too.

Later this August, Brandon was going to join his new teammates and classmates at Dickinson University. There, he was going to play lacrosse while pursuing a degree in business. He was passionately working hard, preparing to help his team succeed.

Brandon understood that being part of a team wasn’t just about scoring goals—it was about supporting each other, growing together, and creating space for everyone to succeed.

To carry forward that spirit, the Gmelin family is establishing the Brandon Q. Gmelin Memorial Scholarship—a yearly award given to a graduating Ridgefield multi-sport student athlete who exemplifies Brandon’s generosity, empathy, and team-first mindset. The recipient will be someone who, like Brandon, always offers a kind word, a helping hand, and a genuine cheer for their teammates.

We are inviting our community—those who knew Brandon, and those moved by his story—to help us build this scholarship fund. Your contribution will help us ensure that Brandon’s legacy lives on in the lives of future student-athletes: not just in how they play, but in how they treat others.

Thank you for keeping Brandon’s memory alive. Thank you for celebrating who he was and what he stood for. And thank you, from the bottom of our hearts, for helping us continue the quiet, meaningful impact he had on everyone around him.

With love and gratitude,

The Gmelin Family