What It Means to Live Like Braun

In her welcome, Associate Head of School Dawn Regan reflected on the significance of returning—not just to campus, but to community. There is something powerful, she reminded students, about coming back together after time away—about remembering how much a community depends on simply showing up for one another. It was a fitting frame for what followed.

That sense of purpose carried into Ms. Regan’s introduction of Jennifer Levi. Mrs. Levi came to campus to share the mission of the Live Like Braun Foundation and to present its first scholarship recipient at Marymount. For her, this community is also a personal one—her daughter, Adelle, is a graduate of the Class of 2023—making the moment not only meaningful, but deeply connected.

The foundation was created to honor her son, Braun Levi, and to carry forward the qualities that defined how he lived: with kindness, inclusivity, and a genuine care for others. “This scholarship exists because we are committed to keeping Braun’s legacy alive,” Mrs. Levi shared. “By spreading the kindness, inclusivity, and energy that made him so unforgettable.”

Just days before his high school graduation, Braun’s life was tragically cut short by an alleged drunk driver. In the face of that loss, his family chose to build something that would endure—raising awareness around the dangers of impaired driving while investing in young people who reflect the same spirit Braun brought into the world.

The Live Like Braun Scholarship recognizes a student who leads with authenticity, uses her voice with courage, and makes others feel seen and valued. It is less about a single achievement and more about a way of being; one that shapes a community from the inside out.

In its inaugural year at Marymount, that recognition was awarded to Dawni D. ’26.

“This year’s recipient is someone we were drawn to immediately,” Mrs. Levi shared. “She impressed us with her genuine sense of self, the love she has for her friends and family, her ambition, and her courage to stand up for herself. She uses her voice to connect with others, and all of those qualities beautifully embody Braun’s spirit.”

Dawni was recognized not only for who she is, but for how she moves through the world: grounded in authenticity, committed to connection, and unafraid to use her voice in meaningful ways.

Reflecting on her award later that afternoon, Dawni shared, “This was absolutely unreal—I was completely surprised.” Looking ahead, she added, “I hope to keep living like Braun, especially as I head to Spelman College in Atlanta. I hope to have an impact socially and within the community, taking what I’ve learned here [at Marymount] and implementing that learning on a greater scale in a new community.”

While the Live Like Braun Scholarship bears one name and honors one student, its message extends far beyond both.

It is a reminder that legacy is not something distant or abstract. It is built in everyday moments—in how we treat one another, in how we choose to show up, and in the ways we carry forward the values that matter most. May we all be reminded to live like Braun—in the small, everyday choices that leave a lasting impact.

To learn more about the Live Like Braun Foundation, and to read more about Braun Levi’s extraordinary life, please click here.