Peyton Kirk Memorial Scholarship

01/26/2026

🎓 Calling All 2026 Graduating Seniors! 🎓

The Peyton Kirk Memorial Scholarship is now open for applications!

We are excited to award:

$500 scholarships to Bradford Area High School seniors, and

NEW this year — a $500 scholarship to Port Allegany High School seniors!

If you are a graduating senior planning to pursue higher education, we encourage you to apply.

Apply through the McKean County Community Foundation:
👉 https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=cfofnascholar

(You’ll need to create a free account if you don’t already have one.)

We are proud to continue giving back to our local schools and supporting students in Peyton’s memory. 💙

12/19/2025

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you to everyone who has contributed to the Peyton Kirk Memorial Scholarship—both this year and in years past. ❤️ Your continued support allows us to honor Peyton’s memory and invest in the future of local students 🎓.

We would like to share a special look back at our Santa Night 🎅🎄, which would not have been possible without so many generous individuals and businesses. A heartfelt thank you to Percy and his friend 🐴 for bringing smiles to so many faces, and to Foster Brook Creamery and Tim Hortons ☕ for generously donating hot chocolate. Thank you as well to the Combs Family and friends 🎶 for providing live music and creating such a warm, festive atmosphere.

We are incredibly grateful for our corporate sponsors, whose support helps make all of this possible 🙏:

• Allegheny Bradford
• Port Allegany Veterans Memorial Inc – including VFW Post 6391 and Legion Post 258
• Frederico Properties LLC
• Foster Brook Creamery
• Zippo
• The Guidance Center
• Close's Lumber – Roulette & Bradford, PA and Olean, NY
• Best Western Plus Bradford Inn
• American Refining Group
• B's Catering
• American Legion Post 108 Bradford, PA – Auxiliary
• Burns & Burns Insurance
• Northwest Bank

We want to wish everyone a safe and Merry Christmas 🎄✨ and a prosperous New Year 🎉. We are truly thankful for the continued support and look forward to seeing what 2026 will bring.

With heartfelt gratitude,

The Family of Peyton Kirk ❤️

12/02/2025

🌟 Happy Giving Tuesday! 🌟

Today we join communities across the world in celebrating generosity, inspiring positive change, and building a more caring and hopeful future.

The Peyton Kirk Memorial Scholarship exists because of the kindness and support of people like you. Since 2020, we have proudly awarded over $10,000 in scholarships to local students — and we are excited to share that we are actively exploring ways to expand our scholarship offerings into other school districts within McKean County. 💛

If you would like to contribute this Giving Tuesday, it’s easy to give online or by mail!

📌 How to Donate Online:
1️⃣ Visit: https://northernalleghenies.org/donation-form/
2️⃣ Select McKean County Community Foundation
3️⃣ Choose Existing Fund
4️⃣ Type Peyton Kirk

📬 Prefer to mail a check?
Make it payable to McKean County Community Foundation (MCCF)
Memo: Peyton Kirk Memorial Scholarship
Mail to:
PO Box 708
Bradford, PA 16701

Thank you for helping us continue Peyton’s impact and supporting students in our community. Your generosity truly makes a difference. 💙✨

NOTE: We will provide a tax receipt for the full amount of your gift. The Community Foundation is charged approximately 3% for processing credit card transactions. This fee will be absorbed by the Fund receiving the donation.

11/27/2025

🦌✨ Happy Thanksgiving! ✨🦌

We’re grateful to announce that the Field of Hope 2025 is officially lit and shining bright for the season! Thank you to everyone who has participated, donated, and continued to support our mission year after year. Your kindness helps us honor loved ones, give back to our community, and keep the light of hope glowing.

It’s not too late to be part of the display — you can donate a deer or make a contribution to have a name added to our Memorial Wall in honor or memory of someone special. 💛

And don’t forget — Mr. & Mrs. Claus will be stopping by next Friday after the Christmas Parade from 7–9 PM! Bring the kids, stop for photos, and share in the magic of the season. 🎅🤶✨

Thank you again, and Happy Thanksgiving from the family of Peyton Kirk. 🧡🦌🌟

11/24/2025

🎅🤶 GUESS WHO'S COMING TO BRADFORD? 🐴

Get your wish lists ready! The Field of Hope is welcoming back our favorite North Pole residents, Mr. & Mrs. Claus!

BUT WAIT, there’s more! This year we have an extra special, four-legged guest. Get your cameras ready to meet Percy the Miniature Horse! ✨

This is the perfect way to end your night after the Bradford Christmas Parade! Come on over and continue the festive fun with us.

Join us for a fantastic night of: ☕ Delicious Hot Cocoa 🎶 Live Holiday Music 🎄 Festive Cheer supporting a great cause

👉 Friday, December 5th | 7 PM - 9 PM | 150 Nelson Ave, Bradford, PA 16701

11/20/2025

🌟🎄 Thank You to Our 2025 Field of Hope Corporate Sponsors! 🎄🌟

We want to extend our deepest appreciation to the incredible businesses and organizations who have stepped up to support this year’s Field of Hope. Your generosity keeps our light display shining bright, helps us honor loved ones throughout the holiday season, and continues to fund scholarships for students across McKean County. ❄️✨

Thanks to the support of our community and sponsors, the Peyton Kirk Memorial Scholarship Fund has proudly donated over $10,000 in scholarships to local seniors — and we’re committed to expanding into even more school districts. 🎓💙

This year’s corporate sponsors include:
• Allegheny Bradford
• Port Allegany Veterans Memorial Inc – including VFW Post 6391 and Legion Post 258
• Frederico Properties LLC
• Foster Brook Creamery
• Zippo
• The Guidance Center
• Close's Lumber Roulette & Bradford, PA and Olean, NY
• Best Western Plus Bradford Inn
• American Refining Group
• B's Catering
• American Legion Post 108 Bradford, PA- Auxiliary

We are still accepting additional corporate sponsors, and it’s a wonderful opportunity for businesses to advertise for over a month on one of the busiest streets in Bradford during the holiday season. 🎄🌟

Thank you again to each and every one of you for believing in our mission, supporting the Field of Hope, and helping us continue to make a meaningful impact in our community. ❤️💚

🎅✨ We look forward to seeing everyone for Santa Night on December 5th! ✨🎅

The Peyton Kirk Memorial Scholarship is held at the McKean County Community Foundation.

11/03/2025

🎄✨ Fifth Annual Field of Hope – Now Accepting Deer & Donations! ✨🎄

The holiday season is near, and we’re proud to announce the 5th Annual Field of Hope, shining from Thanksgiving Night through New Year’s at 150 Nelson Avenue, Bradford, PA 16701 — one of the busiest spots in town, right near the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford!

The Field of Hope is a lighted deer display created in memory of loved ones. You can participate by donating $25 and providing a lighted deer to honor someone special. Each deer represents a life remembered and a light that continues to shine.

💛 Since 2021, thanks to community support, the Peyton Kirk Memorial Scholarship Fund has provided over $10,000 in scholarships to Bradford Area High School seniors — and this year, we’re working to expand into additional school districts across McKean County!

🌟 The display will light up each evening until 9 PM from Thanksgiving through New Year’s, spreading hope, love, and unity all season long.

To donate or reserve a deer, please message this page or contact Kyle Kirk at 814-598-3023 or Tim Fox at 814-598-8647.

Let’s keep lighting up Bradford in memory of our loved ones and in support of our students’ futures. 🦌💫

*The Peyton Kirk Memorial Scholarship is held at the McKean County Community Foundation*

10/30/2025

🎄✨ Become a Sponsor — Light the Way for Hope! ✨🎄

This holiday season, your business can help make a lasting difference in our community by becoming a Field of Hope Sponsor.

Our enchanting Christmas light display on one of the busiest streets in McKean County brings together families, friends, and neighbors — all while raising funds for the Peyton Kirk Memorial Scholarship Fund, supporting local seniors as they pursue their dreams.

🌟 Why Sponsor?

• Reach thousands of visitors throughout the holiday season

• Have your business name displayed along our lighted path

• Be featured in community promotions and media mentions

• Help us honor lives lost while inspiring hope for the future

Together, we can keep Peyton’s legacy shining bright — spreading love, remembrance, and opportunity.

💡 Sponsorships are now available!

For details, contact Kyle Kirk at 814.598.3023 or message our page directly.

Let’s make this season brighter — one light, one student, and one act of hope at a time. ❤️

09/03/2025

💚 September is Mental Health Awareness & Su***de Prevention Month 💚

This month, the Peyton Kirk Memorial Scholarship joins in reminding our community that it’s okay to talk about mental health, to ask for help, and to support one another. Peyton’s legacy inspires us to spread hope, kindness, and the message that no one has to face their struggles alone. 🌻

👉 If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis and needs immediate help, please reach out:

Dial 988 (Su***de & Crisis Lifeline)

1-800-273-8255 (National Su***de Prevention Hotline)

1-800-459-6568 or 814-362-4623 (McKean County Mental Health Crisis Hotline)

Together, let’s continue to raise awareness, break the stigma, and be there for those who need us most. 💛

06/10/2025

🧠💙 June is Men’s Mental Health Month 💙🧠

Men often carry heavy emotional burdens in silence—but you don’t have to. Whether it’s stress, depression, addiction, or overwhelming thoughts, seeking help is a sign of strength. Your mental health matters.

📞 If you or someone you know is in crisis, call or text the
988 Su***de & Crisis Lifeline — confidential, 24/7, nationwide.

📍 Local Crisis Resources – McKean County, PA
Residents have three ways to access mental health crisis support:

☎️ 1. Crisis Hotline – 24/7 Support
• Local: (814) 362-4623
• Toll-Free: 1-800-459-6568
A mental health professional is available anytime to provide guidance, resources, and immediate emotional support.

🚑 2. Mobile Crisis Services
If warranted, a mobile crisis worker can be dispatched to assist the individual and/or family in person.
Also call the Crisis Hotline if inpatient psychiatric hospitalization may be needed.

🚶 3. Walk-In Crisis Support (Weekdays Only)
Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM
Location: The Guidance Center
📍 110 Campus Drive, Bradford, PA 16701
Walk in to speak directly with trained staff for mental health crisis support and services.

✅ Additional Mental Health and Substance Use Resources:
Beacon Light Behavioral Health Systems
Crisis Services: 1-800-462-6810
www.beacon-light.org

The Guidance Center
Counseling, psychiatry, and family support
Phone: (814) 362-6535
www.guidancecenter.net

Alcohol and Drug Abuse Services, Inc.
Substance use recovery and treatment
Phone: (814) 362-6517
www.adasonline.org

📢 These services are provided in accordance with the Mental Health and Intellectual Disability Act of 1966, ensuring every resident of McKean County has access to crisis support when they need it most.

🧍‍♂️ You are not alone. Let’s support the men in our lives—our fathers, brothers, sons, and friends—by encouraging open conversations and compassionate support.

06/07/2025

🎓 Congratulations to the 2025 Peyton Kirk Memorial Scholarship Recipients! 🎓

We’re proud to announce this year’s recipients from Bradford Area High School:
🌟 Talan Reese
🌟 Kelly Chen
🌟 Emma Benson
🌟 Ethan Rochna

Each of these outstanding seniors exemplifies the values of perseverance, compassion, and hope that the Peyton Kirk Memorial Scholarship was created to honor. We’re excited to support them as they take the next steps in their journeys.

Thank you to all the Bradford Area High School seniors who applied—your dreams and dedication inspire us. And to everyone who has donated, supported, or encouraged us throughout this journey—we are so grateful for your continued belief in our mission.

Best of luck to the Class of 2025 in all your future endeavors. Keep reaching for your dreams! 💙🎓

01/30/2025

🎉✨ What a successful year 2024 has been for the Peyton Kirk Memorial Scholarship! We want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who participated, donated, and supported our scholarship recipients. Your generosity and commitment have made a significant impact on the lives of many deserving individuals.

Together, we celebrated achievements, fostered dreams, and empowered future leaders. As we look ahead to 2025, we remain hopeful and excited for what’s to come. Let’s continue to build on this momentum and create even more opportunities for our students. Thank you for being a part of this journey!