Remembering a bright light
Shari Peck (left) and Gianna Blanco (right) in January at Rock Canyon High School. Gianna was the 2026 recipient of the Because of Kyra volleyball scholarship.
On March 22, friends and family gathered to play pickleball and to honor and remember Kyra Peck, who in 2024 passed away at 20 years old from cardiomyopathy. This was the second annual pickleball tournament at the SportyPickle Bar & Grill in Englewood.
Two years ago, Kyra’s parents, Shari and Tony, launched the nonprofit Because of Kyra. “I made a promise to Kyra the day she passed that I would do everything I could to make sure she isn’t forgotten and to honor the amazing person she was,” shared Shari, who lives in the Hidden Pointe neighborhood.
Since Kyra played volleyball at Rock Canyon High School (RCHS), the Pecks host two tournaments per year, pickleball and volleyball, to raise funds for scholarships for RCHS graduates. One scholarship is for a volleyball player specifically, but both scholarships are given “based on the person we feel has many of the traits Kyra had: being a good student, great friend and lots of school spirit,” said Shari.
RCHS senior and Amber Ridge resident Gianna Blanco was the 2026 recipient of the volleyball scholarship.
“To think I resemble qualities of Kyra Peck is one of the best compliments I could receive,” stated Gianna, who will attend the University of Kansas in the fall. “This scholarship will forever help me keep Kyra’s name alive and make sure I am smiling for her, not only in college but every day.”
“Since Kyra had no symptoms at all, we really encourage everyone to get their hearts checked, no matter what age, healthy or not,” concluded Shari.
For more information, visit kyrapeckmemorial.org.
Friends and family gathered at the SportyPickle Bar & Grill to play pickleball and to remember Kyra Peck. Guests wore pink as it was Kyra’s favorite color.
Shari and Toni Peck welcoming friends and family to a pickleball fundraising event for Because of Kyra.
By Hollen Wheeler; photos courtesy of Shari Peck
