Austin Stiles’ unexpected passing at the age of 24 in December of 2021 left a deep void in the lives of many.

The Stiles family created a scholarship fund in Austin’s honor.

A 2016 Ceres High School grad, Stiles was a multi-sport standout with the Bulldogs.

“It’s been rough not having our boy here with us but we are so glad we can bless individuals in our community in his name and hope they will always remember him,” said Meliesa Branson-Stiles, Austin’s mother.

A total of 26 student-athletes from Ceres High and Central Valley have been awarded a combined $10,000 since the inception of the Austin Stiles Memorial Scholarship Fund.

“We wouldn’t be able to do it without the support from family, friends, the community and all of those who have helped donate to the scholarship fund,” Branson-Stiles said. “Everybody that loved and supported Austin is helping these kids. It’s a group effort.”

Dominque Arendt, Jazmyne Arendt, Tarrell Lee-Gill, Sehren Martinez, Payton Ogden, Adrian Ontiveros, Kahmi Smith, Lebron Stallworth and Ricky Stanley were named Austin Stiles Memorial Scholarship recipients during Ceres High School’s Senior Awards Night on May 17. They received a combined $4,000.

“We looked for kids that stood out in athletics,” Branson-Stiles said. “That is one of the requirements.”

“I feel blessed by the Stiles family,” said Ontiveros, who will attend Stanislaus State this fall. “For them to give me a scholarship is really fantastic. I’m so honored. It’s definitely special.”

Ontiveros’ older brother Ish played two seasons of varsity basketball with Stiles at Ceres High School. 

“Me and my friends still talk about him (Austin),” Adrian said. “He was a great all-round athlete. He was an even better person.”

Ontiveros has fond memories watching Stiles entertain Bulldog fans inside Phil de la Porte Gymnasium.

He was in the fifth grade when Stiles and Ceres High edged crosstown-rival Central Valley for the Western Athletic Conference’s third-and-final playoff spot. 

Stiles secured the victory with a steal in the waning seconds before electrifying the crowd with a one-handed jam.

The thunderous dunk didn’t count as it came after the buzzer sounded.

That didn’t stop Ceres High fans, including Ontiveros, from storming the court.

“I still remember the details to this day,” he said. “It was awesome.”

“Austin pushed my brother and everyone else on the team,” Ontiveros added. “That inspired me.” 

Ontiveros put an Austin Stiles 332 In Loving Memory sticker on his Hydro Flask water bottle following Stiles’ memorial service.

Stiles’ motocross plate number was 332.

He combined his football (3) and basketball (32) jersey numbers.

“I still carry a piece of him with me to this day,” Ontiveros said. 

Cal Camden, Bella Carrera, Nico Gil and Allie Peterman were named Austin Stiles Memorial Scholarship recipients at Central Valley High School’s Senior Awards Night Banquet on May 3. They received a combined $3,000.

“Austin was a huge pillar of the community,” Branson-Stiles said. “Whatever he could do to support the youth, he always did that.”

“We want to keep his name alive here in Ceres,” she added. “Austin wasn’t the best student. I think it’s important for these kids to realize they have opportunities out there. The high school’s really push going to four-year colleges. We like that. We also want kids to know that it’s okay to go to a junior college.”

Stiles’ unexpected passing elicited an outpouring of memories, tributes and prayers on social media. Austin lost his life in a car accident in Acampo.

“I don’t think he realized how many people he impacted,” Branson-Stiles said. “That’s just the humbleness in him and his personality. He’d be shocked but happy.”

Stiles starred in football, basketball and track and field at Ceres High School.

His football career came to an abrupt end at College of San Mateo in 2017 due to a spinal condition.

He was diagnosed with spinal stenosis after having multiple surgeries to repair hip and groin injuries.

“He was really in a good place,” Branson-Stiles said. “He was finally at peace with his injuries and knew what he needed to do to move forward. It took him a long time to get there. Austin was always a people pleaser. He felt like he was letting people down.”