11:00 PM, Feb. 11, 2012
Article from htr news
MANITOWOC — The Match of the Month for January is awarded to Big Sister Lydia Fessenbecker and Little Brother Brandon Glish. Each month the Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) organization selects a "match" for this recognition. The award is given in honor for the commitment that the volunteer and child have made to each other and the organization in creating a special friendship.
Lydia and Brandon joined the organization as a new match in April 2010. Their match is a school-based match because they meet every Wednesday at Brandon's school and that is where their friendship has developed. They are part of the BBBS After School program at Koenig Elementary, Two Rivers, where they meet with other mentors and children. The program is designed to focus on academic performance, social skills and self-confidence.
Lydia is a senior at Two Rivers High School. She's been involved in 4-H and band, and enjoys shop classes. She also works outside of school as a banquet server at Fox Hills Resort.
When asked what it means to her to be a Big Sister, Lydia said, "I feel it means that I need to be a good role model for my Little Brother. I want him to be able to look up to me as a person. It also means that I need to work to have a good big sister/little brother relationship with him, where I know he likes me and can trust me."
A fourth grader at Koenig Elementary, Brandon is busy with homework assignments this school year, and he knows he can count on his Big Sister being there to help him when needed. He's an energetic boy who likes to play games, sports, videos, and outside on the playground. One of his favorite things about the mentoring program is getting to spend time with his Big Sister and the other mentors and children in the program. Brandon has gained self-confidence since being in the Big Brothers Big Sisters program, and his teachers are pleased that he continues to improve in his subject areas.
Lydia described how their friendship has developed over the past two school years.
"I feel like we both have grown to be closer during this time," she said. "We get along and have little jokes, and can just talk to each other. I think it's fun because I like playing kid games and things like that. I like that our relationship is still growing."
"I think BBBS is great for anyone to join," she said. "It really makes you want to be a good role model to your Little, and teaches you just as much as it teaches them."
To learn more about the program, contact Big Brothers Big Sisters at (920) 684-7445, email bbbs@bbbsmantycounty .org, or visit www.bbbs mantycounty.org.
Article from htr news
