North Posey Big Brothers and Big Sisters has successful year

By Susan Tooley, Guest Columnist

Wow! It’s hard to believe that the school-based Big Brothers Big Sisters program at North Posey has been up and running since March of 2011.
Currently, 26 junior high school students are paired with 26 high school mentors. It has been heartwarming to watch the relationships grow between these lucky participants.
The North Posey Big Brothers Big Sister Program wrapped up first semester with a Christmas party on Thursday, Dec. 15, 2011. Beth Schilling and Linda Crawford graciously donated their time and arrived with their “sleighs” laden with pizza,
soft drinks, cookies, goodie bags, and gift cards for the students.
Since Christmas is the time of year when we think of our blessings and those who play important roles in our lives; we asked our “Bigs” and “Littles” to write down what their big and little brothers and sisters mean to them. One of the “Bigs” responded, “My Little Brother has a big heart! He is smart and kind and funny. I love
spending time with him! My Little Brother has made my world a better place and opened my heart! My Little Brother can do anything!”
Another reads, “I have really enjoyed getting to know my Little Sister! I am lucky that she has been so open with me and I love her optimistic attitude. I am grateful that we have had this opportunity to become close!”

One of the “Littles” responded, “I always enjoy meeting with my Big Sister. I think she is really nice and fun. It’s also nice to have someone to talk to. Being with
her makes me glad to be a part of Big Brothers Big Sisters!”

Another wrote: “My Big Sister means the world to me! I don’t know what I would do if I didn’t have her. I love her so much as a Big Sister and I hope that we can always talk and be close!”
It is amazing how the relationships between the “Bigs” and “Littles” have grown so quickly and how the younger students feel as though they have real big brothers or big sisters to look up to.
In many cases grades and behavior have improved, although the smiles on the student’s faces when they meet, is proof enough that this program works.
Hopefully, in the near future, Posey County will have a countywide program to serve all children in our community.