Making A Difference For Area Youth
Sources Of Strength
Sources of Strength's mission is to provide the highest quality evidence-based prevention for suicide, violence, bullying and substance abuse by training, supporting, and empowering both peer leaders and caring adults to impact their world through the power of connection, hope, help and strength. KTSA is proud to have partnered with Johnson County Mental Health and area suicide prevention organizations to fund Sources of Strength in all Blue Valley and Shawnee Mission high schools and middle schools.
Blue Valley School District
KTSA and Blue Valley School District have partnered to implement innovative programs in every grade level in the district. Targeting resiliency, happiness and coping skills, "the whole child" is the focus of our efforts. These are programs in addition to Sources of Strength and include Social and Emotional Learning initiatives, Project Happiness, ASIST training for staff, and so much more. If you are interested in ASIST training Johnson County Mental Health has opportunities to learn. https://www.jocogov.org/dept/mental-health/education-outreach/training-opportunities/asist
Wilderness Science Center WELLNESS WALK
Where Nature & Mental Health Come Together
We believe mental health is equal to physical health.
Maybe, if that concept was better understood as a community, Chad Harrell's tragic story could have been different. He had a great love of the outdoors. Perhaps he could have found solace in nature and developed tools to help him through dark moments.
We invite you to step outside. Immerse yourself in nature. The Wellness Walk is an incredible place to do just that. Slow down. Renew your senses. And find JOY in your surroundings.
Located at 5001 W 163rd Terrace, Overland Park, KS
Annual Lacrosse Scholarships
2022 Blue Valley Eastside Lacrosse Scholarship Recipients
Cooper Hillman
Kansas State University
"Having someone who radiates kindness and positivity can be a huge difference-maker for any group, and everyone should strive to be that person. People like this can have a lifelong impact on teams, schools, and even entire communities."
Nick Reinig
Kansas University
"I am good at smiling. The amazing thing about smiles is they are contagious. So that’s what I bring to the team, a contagious smile that can brighten any situation. I bring some goofy jokes to lighten the mood or ease tensions. My smile is my spark for those around me.”
Jack Toal
University of Missouri
“The ability to create connections, be a leader, a friend, and a contributor of any form for the team is what takes you further in life. Keeping a positive mindset can be difficult on the field at times but so long as there’s one person who is willing to be that spark plug and inspire others, then your team will be successful - At this moment in time I currently wear number 20 for Blue Valley Eastside. I was, and still am fully aware of what that number carries. Chase Taulbee was aware when he took the number, and I knew how much the number means to other people. Although the number itself may never have the same value as it did as when Chad wore it, I like to believe those values that were placed into the team by him are carried on in that number. Whether it being my heart and hustle, Chase Taulbee’s leadership mentality, or Chad Harrell’s positivity I believe carrying Chad’s spark and letting that spark continue through number 20, beyond just my time at North, is extremely important as a message and a gift to carry forward.”
Lars Yarkosky
Rockhurst University
"I will always remember the deafening silence that followed the phone call my brother, Eryk, got about Chad’s passing. However that moment of silence and fear, is quite the antithesis to the lasting legacy Chad Harrell has left on our lacrosse team, school, and the world. I have seen first hand how one spark can engulf an entire community in enthusiasm, so in lacrosse, school, and every other part of life alike, I try to be a spark plug myself... Outside of the lacrosse team, I see the spark alive in our hallways, in our sources of strength committee, in our athletic teams, in our clubs, in our classrooms, and in our peers. Passion burns hot in our school, and when we go on to graduate, and scatter about different parts of the world, the spark will be shared with people who will never know what BVN even is. This is the impact Chad has had. We are the kindle for his spark, and we will set the world ablaze."
2021 Blue Valley Eastside Lacrosse Scholarship Recipients
Cooper Collins - Goalie
Rockhurst University
Ozzy Scoggins - Attack
Rockhurst University
Wyatt Cutler
Kansas University
2020 Blue Valley Eastside Lacrosse Scholarship Recipients
Caleb Nelson - Defender
Baylor University
Campbell Collins - Midfielder
Rhodes College
Chase Taulbee - Attack & Midfielder
University of Arkansas
Drew Waldron - Attack
Kansas State University
Nick Eyen - Midfielder
University of Michigan
Otto Dunn - Midfielder
Kansas State University
Paul Garcia - Defender
Oklahoma State University
2019 BVN Scholarship Recipient
Eryk Yarkosky - Defender
Hofstra University
2018 BVN Scholarship Recipients
Alex Bounmiswang - Midfielder
University of Kansas
Andrew Gomen - Goalie
University of Kansas
Alex "Alessio" Garcia - Midfielder
Kansas State University
Seth Welhoelter - Defender
Kansas State University