Blue KC Teams Up with “Be The Spark” Program to Provide Mental Health Support to Summit Trail Middle School in Olathe
Grant Funded by Blue KC Will Help School Use Light Therapy in Classrooms
A spark of inspiration has ignited a powerful movement at Summit Trail Middle School, as students take bold steps to improve the physical and mental health of their peers through the Be the Spark program—a statewide initiative founded in 2017 through a meaningful partnership between Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City (Blue KC), the Kansas Association for Youth (KAY) program and the Kansas Association for Youth Alumni Network (KAYAN).
The Be the Spark initiative challenges KAY clubs across Kansas to dream big and develop sustainable, student-led projects that address physical health, mental wellness and nutrition. The program unfolds in two thoughtful phases: the first centered around research, planning and submitting grant applications; and the second focused on turning those well-crafted ideas into impactful, real-world solutions.
As a recipient of a Be the Spark grant funded by Blue KC, Summit Trail Middle School’s KAY Club rose to the challenge with passion and purpose. Through student-led surveys and collaborative planning, they designed a project that emphasizes both mental and physical wellness—understanding the deep connection between the two. Their plan includes the introduction of light therapy in classrooms with limited natural light, addressing student mental health by boosting mood and energy levels. They also will launch the Move for Your Mood initiative, which includes schoolwide physical activity every Friday during academic intervention time, as well as informative morning announcements that promote healthy habits.
“Blue KC is proud to support the KAY Club at Summit Trail Middle School, who is making health and wellness a priority,” said Macaela Stephenson, Blue KC Director of Community Relations and Investment. “Blue KC recognizes mental health is a key component of overall well-being. It’s an honor to provide the school with a Be the Spark grant to help improve the mental health of students in the community we serve.”
The heart of the Be the Spark initiative lies in student empowerment and community impact. With guidance and encouragement from educators and local leaders, students like those at Summit Trail are learning what it means to lead with empathy, act with purpose and create change that lasts.
“The Summit Trail Middle School community is proud of our 2025 KAY club members for their dedication to student and teacher well-being,” said Summit Trail Middle School Principal Heath Sigg. “For the second time in three years, the club has earned a grant to support an initiative that will benefit every Sabercat. With a significant number of classrooms that do not have windows to the outside, a need to support student mood and health was identified. Access to sunlight can be an important factor in wellbeing. Specialized lighting sources were found to support this need. Thank you to KAY and Blue KC for their support of this student-researched, student-planned and student-supported plan at STMS.”
As the implementation phase begins, Summit Trail Middle School is a shining example of what happens when young people are given the tools, trust and opportunity to make a difference. Their commitment reminds us that lasting change often starts with a simple spark—and the courage to follow it.
“It is truly inspiring to witness the passion of these KAY Club members as they develop sustainable plans to improve the physical and mental health of their peers and communities,” said Katlin Bryan, Be the Spark Project Coordinator. “These students have chosen to dedicate their time and energy to something greater than themselves—and that kind of commitment is powerful.”
