PROGRESS - IMPACT

GOALS

Every step we take is a step

toward a brighter future,

celebrating the trades and uplifting lives.

HOW WE STARTED

January 9, 2025

Through the darkness, the grief and the daily struggles we were able to find a way to accomplish something positive out of this very negative life changing loss. Thanks to a very generous friend’s donation we established this scholarship fund and we know Tyler would be proud of us for pushing through and accomplishing this in his honor.

Our First Flyer

FIRST SCHOLARSHIP SPOTLIGHT

May 22, 2025

Congratulations to Lucas Brode from Tussey Mtn High School, our very first recipient of the Tyler Runk Memorial Trades Scholarship. Lucas's dedication to learning welding and his passion of hands on craftsmanship truly represent the values this scholarship was created to honor. His hard work and drive embody what it means to "Stay; and Light tomorrow."

AWARENESS GAME

September 9, 2025

The TMHS Girls Volleyball Team and Boosters proudly hosted a Suicide Prevention Awareness Game, showing incredible teamwork on and off the court.

With the support of so many generous hearts - through raffle baskets, cash donations, and vendor participation - the event raised $2415.00 helping keep Tyler's legacy alive while supporting future students in the trades.

We want to sincerely thank everyone who contributed - from Tussey Mountain students and families, Northern Bedford students and families, community members, vendors and donors - for turning awareness into action.

FACEBOOK LAUNCH

November 15, 2025

Official Facebook page launched to share our mission and grow community awareness and support

SCHOLARSHIP EXPANSION

February 5, 2026

Beginning in 2026, we will support two graduating seniors - one senior from Tussey Mountain HS and a senior from Northern Bedford HS pursuing careers in the skilled trades or attending trade school.

SCHOLARSHIP SPOTLIGHT 2026

Thanks to the generosity of our donors, we were able to provide additional scholarships this year.

Congratulations to our 2026 scholarship recipients

Tussey Mountain High School

Nolan Goodman - $1,500 and Travis Witters - $500

Northern Bedford High School

Kyle Weaver - $1,500, Ben Clark - $500 and Connor Donaldson - $500

We wish each of these students the very best

as they begin the next chapter of their journey

in the skilled trades.

TMHS

Lillie Miller (Tyler's niece)

Camden and Jackson Runk (Tyler's sons)

NBC

Michaela Gartland (Tyler's sister-in-law)

Camden and Jackson Runk (Tyler's sons)

Peyton and Huddy Gartland (Tyler's niece & nephew)

Recognition Award 2026

Congratulations to Gavin DeShong of McConnellsburg High School, recipient of the first-ever Tyler Runk Memorial Trades Recognition Award and a $1500 recognition award.

Gavin is pursuing a career in Automotive Technology and was selected for his hard work, accomplishments, dedication and commitment to the skilled trades.

We wish Gavin continued success.

McConnellsburgh High School

Presenter

Shelly McMullen (High School Guidance Counsler)

Supporting Mental Health Donation 2026

The Tyler Runk Memorial Trades Scholarship has donated $4,000 to the Tussey Mountain High School Student Empowerment of Mental Health Awareness (SEMHA) Team.

The donation will help support guest speakers, educational opportunities, events, activities, and other initiatives planned for the 2026-2027 school year.

Mental health matters. You matter.

Honoring the Trades ⚙ Inspiring Lives

----------------- ⚙ ------------------

OUR GOAL MOVING FORWARD

Our goal is to expand the Tyler Runk Memorial Trades Scholarship to reach even more high school seniors. Empowering the next generation to discover purpose, pride, and opportunity in the skilled trades, while continuing to spread awareness and hope.