SIDNEY — Big Brothers Big Sisters of Shelby and Darke County has named high school volunteers who are participating in its Buddies program this year.
The Big Buddies program is an eight-month commitment, during which high school students work with and mentor elementary-aged children two times per month. During these meetings, the high school students, under the supervision of Big Brothers Big Sisters staff, work with one or two children on different educational and recreational activities. This year’s curriculum is titled “Earth Friendly Practices.”
The Buddies program is at four sites in and additional volunteers are needed. These sessions are at Emerson, Longfellow, Northwood and Whittier elementary schools in Sidney.
This year’s program kicked off with 61 volunteers from Anna, Botkins, Christian Academy, Fort Loramie, Jackson Center, Lehman, Russia and Sidney. They include:
• Anna: Erica Schulze, Autumn Peterson, Brooke Haynes, Linda Perkins, Paige Wiktorowski, Laura Conley, Alyza Hoelscher, Shana Roe, Ashley Ferguson, Marissa VanGorden, Ashley Heitkamp, Amber Stewart, Sarah Layman, Lauren Stephens, Chloe Sharp, Maura Rose, Elizabeth Rickert, Elaina Crossen, Kelsie McKinney, Kayleigh Knew, Nylah Crosson, Liza Michael, Samantha Martin and Samantha Gratz.
• Botkins: Sarah VanBrocklin, Lauren Meyer, Lindsey Okuley, Jillian Thurmond and Scotlynn Armstrong.
• Christian Academy: Nick Wilson
• Fort Loramie: Rachel DeLoye
• Jackson Center: Emme Farley, Halie Shroyer, Maddie Yarkoskey, Maelee Enochs, Jada Yinger and Regan Davidson.
• Lehman: Claire Larger, Grace Dexter, Kaila Sims, Evie Olding and Reese Geise.
• Russia: Olivia Quinter
• Sidney: Rachel Trudeau, Katie Butts, Emma Zerkle, Ryan Allen, Cheyanna Bolden, Kiara Holiday, Broc Bey, Kazlynn Douglas, Jayden Humphrey, Emily Sauers, Damien Jones, Blake Blakenship, Taylor Williams, Madisyn Allen, Madyson Crain, Jennah Spade, Kelly Curlis and Soleil Drinnen.
In addition to the after-school Big Buddies program, the agency has 75 community-based matches throughout Shelby and Darke counties. These matches meet with each other twice a month for outings, which are planned around the volunteer’s schedule. The goal of the community-based program is to match a local child with an adult mentor, who can serve as a positive role model, and expose the child to enhancing and uplifting activities.
To volunteer, call 492-7611.
