Keep the Spark Alive

Keep the Spark AliveKeep the Spark AliveKeep the Spark Alive

Keep the Spark Alive

Keep the Spark AliveKeep the Spark AliveKeep the Spark Alive
  • Home
  • About
  • FUNDING
  • Resources
    • Suicide Prevention
    • Suicide Survivors Support
  • Contact
  • Remembering Chad
  • More
    • Home
    • About
    • FUNDING
    • Resources
      • Suicide Prevention
      • Suicide Survivors Support
    • Contact
    • Remembering Chad
  • Home
  • About
  • FUNDING
  • Resources
    • Suicide Prevention
    • Suicide Survivors Support
  • Contact
  • Remembering Chad

Making A Difference For Area Youth

Sources of Strength, Team Chad, SPEAK UP

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 as well as Johnson County high schools and middle schools.

Find out more

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 and Youth Mental Health First Aide training for staff, and so much more.    

Mental Health First Aid

#GiveMe20

A program created by Sylvia Harrell & BJ Thomas-Wilson

Two moms brought together by tragedy know first hand how hard it can be when life knocks you down.  After losing their children, Sylvia Harrell and BJ Thomas-Wilson asked the question.... "What if you could remember what is GOOD in  your life? What if, in that moment of pain, you could be reminded of how  incredibly loved you are? What if, instead of spending 20 minutes figuring out how to end your life, you spent that same time remembering to live it?" 

Everyone needs a toolbox

Or  at GiveMe20 - we call it a LIFEBOX. It's a box filled with YOUR STORY;  memories of great moments in your life, dreams for the future, and  reminders of why your life matters... because no matter how dark life  seems at this moment, the sun will rise tomorrow and you should be here to see it happen. 

Learn more
Dr Tyson Ostroski

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

2024 Blue Valley Eastside Lacrosse Scholarship Recipients

Emmett Abar

Depauw University


"And one thing sticks out to me about Chad. He was the kind of person that did the right thing. The person that put in the extra work. The person you’d want to go to war with. I can tell that because the effect his story has had on this community is apparent. Even to someone who moved here only a couple years ago. Which is why every team needs their own “Chad”. Someone who will encourage you when you make your mistakes, and the one to be by your side to celebrate your victories. I’m sorry to have never met him, but will try to act as he did, both on and off the field. "


Seth Stevens

Missouri Welding Institute


"To Keep the Spark Alive with the people that I’m surrounded by, I always radiate positivity. I show genuine interest in others, I can actively listen to what people are saying, ask questions about their interests, and engage in meaningful conversations with people…you can make people feel heard and appreciated. It is all about building connections and fostering meaningful relationships."


Aaron Thomas

Kansas State University


"We may often feel like something isn’t worth it or that just us doing something won’t make a difference, but that is how nothing gets done. We need to apply these traits in our real life to make a difference in our communities and everyday life. Once we step up, the people around us will see that and want to step up as well. We need to strive to become the best versions of ourselves, and in doing that we can make everyone around us better. I want to be seen as someone that picked up the people around him and inspired them to give it there all. I want to be seen as someone who gave other people the “spark” of never giving up."

2023 Blue Valley Eastside Lacrosse Scholarship Recipient

William Wallace

University of Kansas

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

Making A Difference

Friends of Education

We were honored to be recognized as a Friend of Education from former Blue Valley Superintendent, Dr. Todd White.

#SurpriseSquad

The BVEF Surprise Squad delivered $330K to Blue Valley schools and KTSA was thrilled to tag along and be a part of this amazing day. 

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