by TImothy Rutt
The event raises funds for the Brandon Jackson Memorial Scholarship, which awards college scholarships to local graduating high school seniors.
Jackson, a Muir student, was gunned down in a still-unsolved murder on Feb. 12, 2011. The First Presbyterian Church of Altadena, which held the funeral service, formed Stepping Into the Light Outreach to support students "who choose life over a culture of death," according to a press release. The annual basketball shootout has raised funds to award $13,500 in scholarships to six young people who entered college in 2011 and 2012.
This year's event will be held at two gyms at John Muir High School, which will allow up to 24 teams to participate, including younger teams for ages 7-12. Teams can sign up on the website. People can also support the fund by watching the games ($5 entry fee) or donate by credit card from the website. Local businesses are also being asked to support the effort by donating cash or raffle prizes.
