Big Brother and Big Sister of the Year Honored for Utmost Dedication to Mentorship
“Every Big is so important to our organization, but these national Bigs of the Year have shown a remarkable level of dedication for enriching the lives of their Little,” said Pam Iorio, president and CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of America. “These Bigs of the Year have created a relationship with their Little that is lasting, meaningful and an inspiration to all of us.”
Big Brother of the Year Rosburg has been matched with his Little Brother, Darrion, for four years. Darrion and his mother credit Rosburg for helping Darrion avoid negative influences. By having a role model, Darrion has matured exponentially. Together, he and his Big participate in fun activities such as bowling and riding go-karts. More importantly, Darrion has someone to confide in about life, college, careers, politics and family.
“We show each other respect, we care and look out for each other and genuinely want the other to do well. I get to guide this young man and be there for him as he goes through life,” said Rosburg. “I strive to give him guidance that might not be available to him otherwise, but this doesn’t compare to the joy this experience has brought to me.”
During the time Big Sister of the Year Stambaugh and Regina have been matched, they have grown to become friends who motivate and inspire each other. Stambaugh has guided Regina through struggles with insecurities and anxiety as well as through Regina’s educational journey. With Stambaugh’s guidance, Regina is preparing for college and improving her life well into the future.
“Our match has shown me that mentoring has far-reaching effects on more than the mentor and mentee. The positive impact permeates their respective families, friends and, ultimately, community at large,” said Stambaugh. “Regina tells me often how grateful she is to have a friend in me. I am grateful for her friendship too.”
The Bigs of the Year selection process begins with mentor nominations in each state for a top Big Brother and top Big Sister. Then, each state chair selects the statewide winners, who proceed to the national competition. A selection committee composed of 15–20 national BBBS leaders then ranks each statewide winner. The 2015 Bigs of the Year awards were presented at the 2015 Big Brothers Big Sisters National Conference sponsored by Comcast NBCUniversal.
About Big Brothers Big Sisters of America
Big Brothers Big Sisters, the nation’s largest donor- and volunteer-supported mentoring network, provides children facing adversity with strong and enduring, professionally supported one-to-one mentoring relationships that change their lives for the better, forever. Partnering with parents/guardians, schools, corporations and others in the community, Big Brothers Big Sisters carefully pairs children (“Littles”) with screened volunteer mentors (“Bigs”) and monitors and supports these one-to-one mentoring matches throughout their course. The Big Brothers Big Sisters Youth Outcomes Survey substantiates that its mentoring programs have proven, positive academic, socio-emotional and behavioral outcomes for youth — areas linked to high school graduation, avoidance of juvenile delinquency and college or job readiness. This mission has been the cornerstone of the organization’s 110-year history. With 325 agencies across the country, Big Brothers Big Sisters serves approximately 200,000 children, their families and 200,000 volunteer mentors. Learn more at www.BigBrothersBigSisters.org.
