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.
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.
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?"
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.
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
Quentin Wallace - Defense
Washburn University
“As a captain - and young man - I try and be the spark to everyone around me. I love the values of team, and dedicating your all for your peers. Whether or not it's in the classroom, in school clubs, or sports I always try to motivate and push those around me. I believe in servant leadership and putting the younger, or less developed members of my different teams first. Being the one to always look after the "little guy" is something take a lot of pride in.”
Carsten Fontoura - Midfielder
Point Loma Nazarene University
Chad Harrell's story is a powerful reminder of the impact one individual can have on their team, school, and community. Traits like positivity, work ethic, and the ability to uplift others are essential because they create a ripple effect that goes far beyond the field.
Gavin Hansen - Defense
Kansas State University
“The traits of bringing a "Spark" are the most important things that anyone can have. Not everyone may possess specific talents or have special skills, but no matter what, everyone can bring their energy to anything in life. Coach Pat, my coach in several sports since I was in elementary school, has a favorite saying that has stuck with me throughout my life. Coach Pat would ask, "What are the 2 things you can control in life?" and the entire team would answer "Effort and Attitude". This just goes to show that while many things could make a person's day worse, from something as big as losing someone or as small as the weather, these just aren't things a person can control, but everyone can control their reactions.”
Parker Lindman - Midfield/Face-off
Brigham Young University
“After being sidelined by injury for the majority of the season, I began to question my role within the team and at first had trouble referring to the team as “we" because I felt like I couldn't contribute to the team given the fact that I wasn't on the field. However, I've come to learn that couldn't have been farther from the truth. I could still have a happy attitude and uplift my teammates even if wasn't playing alongside them and I could demonstrate effort by showing up, being present, and doing all that I could to get back on to the field.”
Christopher Thompson - O-Mid
University of Notre Dame
“This season, when the BV Timberwolves and BV Eastside lacrosse teams merged, the dynamic of both programs would dramatically change. As a senior on the team, I was nervous about how the merger would impact the culture and camaraderie of our team heading into my final season of playing lacrosse, but I knew, as an upperclassman, it was incumbent on me to set a good example. The traits that Chad exemplified were more important than ever to our combined team, and having that 'Spark' of positivity was needed if we were going to gel as 'one' Blue Valley team.”
Jaxon Petersen - Mid-fielder
Utah Valley University
“Life is hard, there's no changing that, but the gift of life itself is the most beautiful, most amazing gift you could ever have. Look at the glass that is half full, find the positive in the negative, be optimistic, be the “spark”."
Luke Falkner - Long stick middle
Virginia Military Institute
“Being a "spark" like Chad doesn't mean you're always smiling on the outside-it means you're choosing to show up for others, to be kind, and to care, even when things are hard. That kind of presence can turn someone's entire day around…One of the things I've learned is that you never know what someone else is going through…There's a Bible verse my dad has always said to me: "The pain you're feeling now can't compare to the joy that's coming." And while there have definitely been hard days, that message gives me hope - and it pushes me to be that hope for someone else too.”
Emmett Abar
Depauw University
Seth Stevens
Missouri Welding Institute
Aaron Thomas
Kansas State University
William Wallace
University of Kansas
Cooper Hillman
Kansas State University
Nick Reinig
Kansas University
Jack Toal
University of Missouri
Lars Yarkosky
Rockhurst University
Cooper Collins - Goalie
Rockhurst University
Ozzy Scoggins - Attack
Rockhurst University
Wyatt Cutler
Kansas University
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
Eryk Yarkosky - Defender
Hofstra University
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
We were honored to be recognized as a Friend of Education from former Blue Valley Superintendent, Dr. Todd White.
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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