WILKES-BARRE -- Travis Bo Tkach was the pride of his community.

A 2001 Northern Lehigh High School graduate, he was a two-time first team all-state football player. Bo was named to ESPNs Academic High School Football All-American team in 2000-2001. In 2001, he was named Most Valuable Male Athlete of Northern Lehigh.

Upon graduation, Bo accepted a football scholarship to the University of Delaware. He transferred to Lehigh University and later to Wilkes University.

He graduated Magna Cum Laude in 2007, as a member of Delta Mu Delta, with a degree in business and marketing. In his short life, Bo had accomplished more than some have in a lifetime. Unfortunately, he also struggled with Depression and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder.

Like many mental illnesses, they disrupted his life in ways that others did not see. Despite the never-ending hope and love from his family, and extensive medical treatment, Bo ended his own life.

In appreciation of his dedication to the youth of the area, and in Bo's honor, the Bo Tkach Memorial Fund has been created to raise awareness of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and Mental Health issues and to fund various youth programs for the betterment of children in the community.

On Saturday, November 14 at 12:00 noon, the King's College Student-Athlete Advisory Committee will be sponsoring a helmet drive in memory of Bo Tkach during the Mayor's Cup Football Game between King's and Wilkes.

Representatives from King's SAAC will be navigate the Robert L. Betzler Athletic Complex with King's and Wilkes football helmets collecting donations. All proceeds will go to Bo Tkach Memorial Fund.

Additional information can be located at: www.botkach.com/