NORMAN — “You always seem to make my day better and when I am upset you have taught me to take a breath and walk away,” said Janice about her Big Sister Kasey. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Oklahoma, Cleveland County office, heard this story and others on May 3, at their annual Start Something Volunteer Recognition Banquet at Journey Church. More than 100 volunteers, parents and children attended the recognition event to celebrate all of the Big Brothers, Big Sisters, Big Couples, and an inaugural Champion of the Year.
Kasey Hendrix was selected as Big Sister of the Year for the school program of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Oklahoma, Cleveland County office. Hendrix has been matched with Little Sister Janice at Truman Elementary since October 2008.
In the nomination letter for Hendrix, Janice’s teacher stated, “Janice looks forward to the time she gets to spend with her Big; when she comes back from their meetings she always has a big smile on her face.”
Also n the school program, Ryan Schweighart was selected as the 2011 Big Brother of the Year. The two have been matched at Kennedy Elementary School since February 2009. Ryan’s Little Brother Brian said in his nomination letter, “You have made me feel so special since I am shy and it is hard for me to make friends. You have given me someone to talk to and to play with. You make me laugh when I have a bad day and you always tell me it will get better. You are the best big brother anyone could have. I am just glad you were mine.”
Regarding her Big Sister, Lauren Brockman, Little Sister Baylee wrote, “Lauren has always been by my side. No matter how many times I was upset or frustrated she stayed to help me. Lauren is the kind of big sister you would never want to give up.” Brockman, was selected as the 2011 Big Sister of the Year for the community program. Brockman and Baylee have been matched since March 2008.
Jason Giebler also received the award for 2011 Big Brother of the Year for the community program. Giebler and Little Brother Hunter have been matched since 2006. Hunter states, “My Big Brother for the past 4 1/2 years has been a great friend and mentor. He has showed me the importance of a strong education as well as a strong work ethic, persistence and intellectual integrity. He has also become a valuable member of our family. I have been amazed at his positive enthusiasm, his involvement in community activities, and his readiness to help and be there when I need him.”
Mark and Meta Carstarphen Delgado were named the Big Couple of the Year for 2011. Their match support specialist had this to say about their relationship with Little Brother Jaden, “Mark and Meta have provided Jaden with consistent weekly contact for several hours every week. They have done this with full time jobs and the huge task of building a house. They continue to teach Jaden to improve on his reading and care for home and land. They teach Jaden how to work and how to budget and shop with the money he earns from helping at the house.”
The Delgados have been matched with Little Brother Jaden since 2009.
Julia Chew, board member in the Cleveland County office of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Oklahoma, and owner/agent of Julia Chew State Farm Insurance, was chosen as the local Champion of the Year. Chew won the award because she is a supporter and advocate who utilizes all of her resources to benefit the mission of BBBSOK through business and personal donations and being an advocate for the agency in the community.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Oklahoma, Cleveland County Office, is a United Way of Norman agency dedicated to making a positive difference in the lives of children and youth through a professionally guided one-to-one relationship with a caring adult. Last year Big Brothers Big Sisters served over 500 children in Cleveland County. To learn more about Big Brothers Big Sisters, visit www.bbbsok.org or call 364-3722.
