BIGS OF THE YEAR 2019

We had the best time celebrating our Bigs of the Year! Each year, we take time to highlight our Bigs who have gone above and beyond for their Littles! We are so lucky to have six fantastic Honorees this year! And a Big Thank You to our sponsors The Hof, Mosaic Catering & Events, Shyndigz, Henry Hertlzer Photography, and Bunkie Trinite Trophies. You all helped make this event great!

BIGS OF THE YEAR 2019

DENISE LETENDRE & Little Skyy

​​Big Sister Denise and Little Sister Skyy have been matched in the Community Based Program for a year now. Before this, Denise and Skyy were in our Site Base Program for a year and a half at Ridge Elementary. During their time as a match, Skyy faced multiple moves and her elementary school graduation but their relationship stayed strong and they did whatever they could to stay together.

​Denise and Skyy built such a strong and meaningful connection that nothing could keep them apart. Despite all the distractions, Skyy was able to stay motivated and end the school year with Honor Roll.

    GENE FITZ & Little Aj

    Big Brother Gene and Little Brother Aj, are one of our newer matches. Even though it has only been eight months, this pair has grown very close. This school year, Aj signed up to be in the Science Fair and Gene was excited to help. Aj and Gene dedicated a few of their monthly outings towards working on Aj’s project. Their hard work and dedication paid off because Aj came in first place at the Science Fair and had his project showcased at the Children's Science Museum. Whether it's science projects or other fun activities, Gene and Aj love to encourage and challenge each other every time they are together.

    KRISTIN VINAGRO & Little Kimitria

    ​Big Sister Kristin and Little Sister Kimitria have been matched for three years. One of their favorite activities is baking and they love to try new recipes. Since being matched, Kristin has become a new mom to a beautiful son and while she has a lot on her plate, she continues to have meaningful outings with Kimitria! Kimitria loves being a "Big Sister" to Kristin's son. Even with schedule changes, Kimitria continues to make honor roll in school and this past winter, she participated in the Big Brothers Big Sisters Keep Connected Program. This pair radiates so much light to our community!

    SAM DODHY & Little Isaac

    ​Big Brother Sam and Little Brother Isaac instantly bonded over their shared love for science. Since being matched almost two years ago, their relationship has gone above and beyond everyone’s expectations.  After they were matched, Isaac’s mom says she saw a joy in him that she hadn’t seen in a long time. Sam says he feels very fortunate to work with Isaac and sees a lot of his younger self in him. The pair loves to build Lego sets and when they are finished, Isaac is so proud to show it off to his brothers. Sam has helped Isaac express himself and helped him to find his voice. Mom is confident that this is a lifelong friendship.

    TIFFANY WILLIAMS & Little Jenesis

    Big Sister Tiffany and Little Sister Jenesis are having a blast! Tiffany and Jenesis love trying new things together; from laser tag, to movies, to mani-pedis, to the library, to trying sushi, to painting pottery, to ice skating – this pair is always up for trying something adventurous. Jenesis has opened up a lot to Tiffany and since being matched, she has become much more comfortable expressing herself. Both Tiffany and Jenesis are learning and growing from this match and cant wait to see what else is in store for them. Mom says Jenesis can’t wait for her outings with Tiffany each week!

    SETH OPOKU-YEBOAH & Little William

    Big Brother Seth and Little Brother William have been matched for a year in our Community Based program. While in the matching process, the Big Brothers Big Sisters staff felt like William was a younger version of Seth. This has proven true through Seth and William’s shared love for watching YouTube videos, going to museums and attending festivals together. Seth and William have also enjoyed attending some fancier events where the pair interacted with Governor Northam and Darrell Green. This match has flourished greatly over the past year and has been a wonderful experience for both Seth and his Little, William.