Student mentors in the High School Bigs program recently put their imaginations to the test as part of a county-wide art contest. Program specialists inspired students to create an original piece of artwork that finished the sentence, “My Little is a star because …”

This year’s winner, Big Sister Chelsea, currently attends San Juan Hills High School, where she is involved in activities such as dance, AVID and Hispanic Career Club. Chelsea was inspired to become a mentor because she enjoys working with kids and giving back to the community. In addition, she’s played key role in recruiting more students to sign up for the program at her high school.

Chelsea has mentored her Little Brother Joshua at Kinoshita Elementary since November 2016. She typically spends every session helping Joshua with his math homework before engaging in a fun activity. Over the course of their match, Chelsea has noticed a dramatic improvement in Joshua’s behavior and ability to express himself.

Littles like Joshua were also able to illustrate their own drawings in response to the same question, “My Big is a star because …”

The winning submissions will be featured in an annual calendar given to the principals of every school in the program.

About High School Bigs

Qualified high school volunteers are matched one-to-one with students at a local elementary school, where they meet once a week for the academic year. Sessions are led by a Big Brothers Big Sisters program specialist and focus on academic achievement, bullying, self-esteem and relationship-building.

For more information, contact Cristal Ochoa at cochoa@ocbigs.org.