Big Brothers Big Sisters has thousands of incredible volunteers committed to making a positive impact on the life of a child every day, both in our traditional community-based program and the two site-based programs—Beyond School Walls and High School Bigs.

To celebrate end of the 2015-16 school year, BBBS is shining a light on four standout volunteers in the site-based programs who received awards this June.

Congratulations to the 2016 recipients of our inaugural High School Bigs Angelitos Award and the annual Beyond School Walls’ Bigs of the Year award:

In elementary school, Cynthia felt lonely at home but faced demanding responsibilities as the oldest sibling. She joined High School Bigs as a Little and was matched with a mentor who inspired her both personally and academically. Big Brothers Big Sisters left such a profound impact on Cynthia that she returned to the program as a freshman in high school, this time to be a mentor.

Cynthia commutes by bus for nearly two hours from her high school to Diamond Elementary School in Santa Ana, where she volunteers as a mentor to a third-grade student named Jonathan.

“I wanted to be the type of Big that would be there for their Little, just like my first Big,” Cynthia says. “I always get excited when [Jonathan] wants to learn more about my college application experience. My hope is that he starts to feel more confident of himself and that he goes for his dreams.” In November 2013, Kyle first met his Little, Luam, at Rio Vista Elementary in Anaheim. Both were shy and shared a similar haircut and personality. As they spent more time together, Kyle helped Luam become more social and improve his grades.

Seeing the long-term change in Luam, Kyle was inspired to recruit more students to become mentors through Big Brothers Big Sisters. He became co-president of his school’s BBBS club and focused on spreading awareness through social media and events. In addition, the club hosted book drives and school supply drives to donate to the elementary students.

“After three years, I can say with confidence that Big Brothers Big Sisters has truly been one of the most valuable and rewarding experiences,” Kyle says. 

Daniel Applegate, an auditor at PwC, is matched with Little Brother Tino and they meet once a month through Beyond School Walls. During one of their first meetings, Tino expressed he wanted to make more friends. Daniel and Tino came up with a strategy on how to accomplish this together by setting weekly goals (like talking to a new person at school) and updating each other regarding progress.

Daniel would also set goals of his own so he could show Tino he was dedicated to improving himself and it served as a way to hold each other accountable. Daniel remembers how rewarding it felt when Tino told him with a big smile that he was making new friends.

“Most kids don’t have the chance to interact with somebody who has graduated from college and has established a career,” Daniel says. “ A lot of professionals also don’t have the opportunity to provide insight to an influential young mind. This program continues to teach me the importance of allocating time to help others.”

A tax partner and diversity leader at PwC, Kathy has been matched to her Little Sister Destiny for the past three years. Not only has she been a mentor to Destiny but Kathy has also become a great friend. The two are very close; Destiny invited Kathy to her cheerleading competitions and opened up to Kathy about family matters. During one activity, Kathy helped Destiny draft and present a business plan for a nonprofit that helps families, like Destiny’s own family, affected by violence.

McManus has also encouraged Destiny to develop better work habits and helped her over her fear of public speaking. Destiny attributes her newfound confidence and desire to be an attorney to her mentor Kathy.

“I volunteered for Big Brothers Big Sisters in part so that I could give something back, but I can truly say that I have gotten so much more out of it than I have put in,” Kathy says. “I am honored to have been a part of Beyond School Walls and especially to be Destiny’s Big Sister.” 

Learn more about Beyond School Walls and High School Bigs!

High School Bigs:

• Who: Teen volunteers (Bigs) mentor elementary school students (Littles)
• What: Curriculum focused on academic achievement, bullying and self-esteem
• When: Once a week during the school year
• Where: Little’s elementary school

Beyond School Walls:

• Who: Employees at a partner corporation (Bigs) mentor students (Littles)
• What: Curriculum focused on career exploration, relationship building and college readiness
• When: Once a month during the school year
• Where: Partnering company’s office

For more information or to get involved with High School Bigs or Beyond School Walls as a volunteer, contact Hazel Gonzalez at HGonzalez@OCBigs.org or 714.619.7022.