04/15/2026
Keeping Their Light Alive
I am humbled to share that the Kelley Family Charitable Foundation memorial scholarships are open for graduating seniors in our community for the third year. Each scholarship carries one of their names, but more importantly the spirit of who they were.
My mom (Susie) was the kind of person who made everyone feel like they mattered. She loved her family deeply and showed it every day—not just in words, but in the way she always put us and others before herself. My mom is the greatest example of selflessness I have ever known. Her kindness was constant and quiet, found in small acts that meant everything. She taught us what it means to care for others, and that lesson continues to shape who we are.
My father (Donnie) used to say, “kindness costs us so little and you never know the impact it may have on someone, especially to those that have nothing to offer in return.” He was the kind of man that people relied on and always made sure those around him were cared for, often putting others before himself without hesitation. What made him truly special, though, was his ability to bring light into difficult moments—he always had a joke ready or a way to make someone laugh, feel better, no matter what the situation.
My brother (Brian) had a rare kind of loyalty that defined who he was. If you were his friend, you were his friend for life. He never let people drift away, and he showed up for them again and again. He was loyal in every part of his life—to his community, his friends, his one and only lifetime job, his sport teams, and most of all, his family. It genuinely hurt him to see others struggling or going through a difficult time. He didn’t stand by, he stepped in. That unwavering loyalty and compassion are what made him so special. He didn’t just care about people—he made sure they knew they weren’t alone.
Creating these scholarships in their honor is emotional. It’s healing. It’s a way of keeping their light alive in a world that still needs more kindness, more empathy, more people who choose to care. They are pieces of my family — their values, their kindness, their belief that even the smallest act of compassion can change someone’s life. They taught me that lifting others up is one of the most meaningful things a person can do, and I carry that lesson with me every day.
If you know a student who leads with heart and shows up for others, I hope you’ll encourage them to apply. To our applicants, your kindness reflects the very best of what my mom, dad and brother stood for.
-Kevin Kelley
