Kylie Carol Pope, affectionately known as "KC," was taken from us far too soon on April 3, 2021, due to a tragic accident on her family's farm. At the time of her passing, she was preparing to graduate from Summer Creek High School with the Class of 2024. Though her time at SCHS was brief, her impact continues to resonate within the community. Kylie was a cherished member of the SCHS Cross Country and Track & Field teams, where her passion for running first blossomed.

Kylie’s journey in running began in third grade at Lakeshore Elementary, where she participated in Girls on the Run. Her leadership and encouragement earned her the Spirit Stick one season. She progressed to West Lake Middle School before making the SCHS Varsity teams in Cross Country and Track & Field as a Freshman. Beyond her athletic pursuits, Kylie treasured moments spent with her family—her numerous cousins were like siblings to her—and friends. She had a beautiful singing voice and loved belting out her favorite Taylor Swift songs and Disney soundtracks.

Kylie had a fondness for Chick-fil-A, Whataburger, and delicious Tex-Mex cuisine. She especially cherished time spent with her dad, whether they were fishing, kayaking, or cheering for their favorite teams at Buffalo Wild Wings. In honoring her memory, we are continuing to host an annual memorial run that reflects her love for running and competition. The 3rd Annual Run the Distance for Kylie is a traditional 5K race, with a 1K option available for those who prefer a shorter distance. Participants can also order tee shirts to support our cause until the end of day on January 23rd. Please see mockup, below:

Since the inception of the Kylie Pope Scholarship Foundation, 17 students have received the Kylie Pope Memorial Scholarship, and a total of $34,000 in tuition has been paid. This annual event AND scholarship foundation have been established to celebrate the memory of our dear Kylie Carol. With her passion for running and her zest for life, we hope to share her spirit with others. Our goal is for Kylie to be remembered as we remember her, and for her legacy to endure through the scholarship recipients selected in her honor.

If you cannot participate in this year's Run the Distance for Kylie, we welcome your monetary contributions to her scholarship foundation. We appreciate any support you can provide, whether through participation or donation.

Philippians 3:14 "I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the Heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us."

The Kylie Pope Scholarship Foundation is exempt under IRC Section 501 (c)(3). For matching or exemption information, please use the following:

EIN: 92-0863617
Email Address for Matching Verification: kyliepopescholarshipfoundation@gmail.com

Run the Distance for Kylie - 3rd Annual Event

Kylie Pope Scholarship Foundation

Team Members