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
2023 Blue Valley Eastside Lacrosse Scholarship Recipient
William Wallace
University of Kansas
Surviving the military life has been the bane of my existence. I had to make new friends at new schools. I trained and fought harder for a position on athletic teams. I struggled to adjust to the academic curriculum. With every deployment, I feared my father’s death. This life has not been easy. Juxtapose, I learned perspective, grace, resilience, and the art of survival.
I am grateful for this turbulent life, the experiences, and the people that I’ve been lucky to meet along the way. And that’s the message that I hope I share EVERY DAY with my team, my community and my friends. I hug people longer; I’m loyal to a fault; I sing the National Anthem proudly; and I appreciate wholeheartedly. I hope to inspire through my actions, and that’s truly the legacy of Chad.
I have heard Chad described as dynamic. I have heard those who knew him say that “he was quite the character.” Today, teammates and loved ones still share his stories. Through this scholarship, his legacy is remembered.
2022 Blue Valley Eastside Lacrosse Scholarship Recipients
Cooper Hillman
Kansas State University
Nick Reinig
Kansas University
Jack Toal
University of Missouri
Lars Yarkosky
Rockhurst University
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