Sisters community mourns loss of youth mentor Kellie Scholl

Scholl, 53, made a lasting impact through her work with the Circle of Friends mentorship program

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Friends and colleagues are remembering the profound impact that Kellie Scholl had on the Sisters, Oregon community, particularly through her role as the Youth Program Coordinator and later Program Director of the Circle of Friends (CoF) mentorship program. Scholl, 53, died in a car accident on February 1, and the community is mourning her passing and celebrating her dedication to supporting vulnerable youth and their mentors.

Why it matters

Kellie Scholl's work with the Circle of Friends program touched the lives of over 100 youth in the Sisters community, providing them with mentors, life skills, and individual support. Her compassion, innovation, and tireless efforts made a lasting impression and inspired those around her to continue her mission of empowering young people.

The details

As the Youth Program Coordinator and then Program Director of CoF, Scholl developed after-school programming, recruited over 60 mentors and volunteers, and grew the number of children and youth impacted by the program to well over 100. Colleagues recalled that she formed personal relationships with the mentors, supporting them both professionally and as a friend. Scholl brought her passion and experience from years of coaching and mentoring young athletes to her position at CoF.

  • Scholl was hired as Youth Program Coordinator for CoF in 2018.
  • Scholl was promoted to Program Director during her tenure.
  • Scholl died in a car accident on February 1, 2026.

The players

Kellie Scholl

The wife of Sisters Schools Superintendent Curt Scholl, Kellie Scholl was the Program Director of the Circle of Friends mentorship program in Sisters, Oregon, where she made a profound impact on the lives of over 100 youth through her compassion, innovation, and tireless efforts.

Circle of Friends (CoF)

A youth mentorship program in Sisters, Oregon that pairs vulnerable youth with mentors to help them develop life skills, social skills, academic success, and individual talents.

Curt Scholl

The superintendent of Sisters Schools and the husband of Kellie Scholl.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Kellie was the heart and soul of Circle of Friends for eight years. Her thoughts and actions always gave top priority to the youth and families of CoF. Simply put, she devoted herself to making life better for others. Her positive influence in this community goes on as we try to imitate the example she lived.”

— Carolyn Gabrielson, Volunteer and past board member of Circle of Friends (The Nugget Newspaper)

“It didn't take long for Kellie to win us over with her balance of professionalism and compassion after she came on staff at Circle of Friends. She was soon the best kind of friend to those she served. She spent time with families, helping them trust the mentors working with their children. She made herself available to mentors, celebrating the highs with us and encouraging us through the lows. She listened and counseled. And we always knew she cared about our 'circle friends' as much as we did.”

— Jim and Diana Prichard, Mentors for Circle of Friends (The Nugget Newspaper)

“Kellie was such an amazing person. She was a loving, devoted mama and partner. She absolutely loved all the kiddos that have been part of Circle of Friends as her time as Program Coordinator and then Program Director. She was deeply compassionate, innovative, and funny!”

— Terry Buchholz, Longtime mentor and former CoF board member (The Nugget Newspaper)

What’s next

A GoFundMe campaign has been set up to support the Scholl family in the wake of this tragedy.

The takeaway

Kellie Scholl's unwavering dedication to empowering youth and supporting mentors in the Sisters community left an indelible mark, and her legacy will continue to inspire those who knew her and the young lives she touched.