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Ohio
Big Brother of the Year Rodney McBride (right) and Little Brother
Alonte were introduced on the
Ohio Senate Floor by Sen. Charleta
Tavares (D-Columbus).
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Ohio Big Brother
& Big Sister of the Year
Rodney McBride of Columbus was selected as Ohio Big Brother of the year
by the Ohio Big Brothers Big Sisters State Association. Rodney,
who is employed by Nationwide, was matched with his Little Brother
Alonte by Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Ohio eight years ago when
Alonte was in third grade. Alonte is now a sophomore who
participates on his high school's basketball, football, and track
teams. Over the years, Rodney met with Alonte consistently, and they
discussed the consequences he would eventually face if he did not make
good choices. "In ninth grade, a light came on in Alonte," says Rodney.
Alonte was named to the Honor Roll the first grading period of his
ninth grade year. When the second grading period came around, Alonte
had achieved a 4.0 grade point average, and he has continued earning
4.0s ever since. Rodney is very proud of Alonte's success. "If I didn't
have a Big, I probably wouldn't be where I am today," says Alonte.
Bonnie Walters of Coal Run was named 2018 Ohio Big Sister of the Year.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Athens matched Bonnie with her Little
Sister Jessica in 2016 and they have become very close friends. "Jessie
is a very well-mannered girl who just needs to be steered in the right
direction, and I am going to do everything I can to make sure she is
self-confident and gives everything 100%" says Bonnie. Jessica lives
with her step-grandmother because her mother's presence in her life is
sporadic due to incarceration and substance use disorder. When Bonnie
was diagnosed with cancer in 2017, Jessica was very supportive and
their relationship became even closer. Bonnie said that Jessica came to
her one day and said if she started losing her hair, they would wear
matching bandannas. Bonnie said "from that moment on I knew I was going
to be in this young lady's life for a long time."
Big Brothers Big Sisters' mission is to provide children facing
adversity with strong and enduring professionally supported one-to-one
mentoring relationships that change their lives for the better,
forever. Matching a caring volunteer with a child is only the
beginning; our professional staff stays connected with the Big, Little
and Little's parent/caregiver throughout the entire mentoring
relationship, providing coaching and support along the way. Research
proves that Big Brothers Big Sisters' mentoring model works! Children
and teens with Big Brothers or Big Sisters are more likely to avoid
risky behaviors such as initiating drug and alcohol use, skipping
school and hitting someone.
If you would like more information about our local Big Brothers Big
Sisters of Shelby & Darke County agency and how you can make a
difference in a child’s life, please call 937-492-7611, 937-547-9622,
or go to www.bigbrobigsis-shelbydarke.org. Event sponsorship and
volunteer opportunities are available, and donations are always
accepted. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Shelby & Darke County
is a non-profit, United Way member agency.
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Ohio
Big Sister of the Year Bonnie Walters (left) and Little Sister
Jessica were introduced on the
Ohio Senate Floor by Sen. Frank Hoagland
(R-Mingo Junction).
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