May 2022
Hello Friend!
As we round the corner into spring, for us in Minnesota, that means above 30 degrees, it is always a time to reflect on the school year. It brings back memories of my siblings, graduations, my graduation, my son’s, etc. At the time of my graduation, I felt the anxious anticipation of my world that was about to become so much bigger…and it did. I moved from a farm in Buckman to a small house in Brainerd to live with three of my girlfriends. Two years later, I moved to St. Cloud. I was scared, seems silly now, but based on my frame of reference, it was a whole lot bigger with many unknowns. I don’t know if I would have been able to make it without the encouragement of others.
My sister Mary, a fellow Husky, who was always a mentor to me, would remind me “no one can ever take your education away from you”. I also had some teachers who were very encouraging, including my advisor, Frank Osendorf. Those touch points of someone else believing in me was absolutely the difference between feeling like I would fail versus accomplishing what I set out to do.
For us at Big Brothers Big Sisters, this is a very special time of year too. Our Littles tell us that having a Big who believes in them, being a part of our program, and knowing donors give generously because of them, is what helps them accomplish their goals and pursue their dreams.
- This spring, we will have graduating Bigs & Littles in both high school and college.
- We celebrate these accomplishments with our Littles, families, and Bigs.
- Thanks to the generosity of the Federated Challenge and WWBD, we are geared to award exclusive scholarships to students to further their career.
- We are able to keep matches together to offer them our coaching and support through age 21, up from age 18.
Thank you for your generosity of time, talent, and treasure. It is THE difference.
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Jackie S. Johnson
Executive Director
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MEET OUR HIGH SCHOOL BIGS OF THE YEAR! |
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High School Big Sister of the Year- Kayla Braun |
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Kayla decided to become a Big Sister during her sophomore year of high school. A natural leader and exemplary student, Kayla is involved in cross country, track, student council, and Minnesota Honor Society (MHS). She is a friendly and positive go getter who is always willing to go the extra mile.
In the Spring of 2020, High School Big Sister Kayla was matched with her Little Sister Maria, just before the world changed. The two were only able to meet a few times in person before the pandemic hit and the schools shut down. Kayla showed determination to build a bond with her Little no matter what challenges they were presented.
Kayla went above and beyond setting up weekly Zoom calls with Maria and exhibited creativity and originality when planning their time together. She created fun, at-home scavenger hunts and organized unique crafts for their match to do together on video calls.
Now, finally able to meet in-person again, you will always find these two smiling, chatting, and being creative with projects they do together.
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High School Big Brother of the Year- Bryce Sweeter |
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Bryce became a Big Brother when he was in 9th grade. He is an exemplary student who excels both academically and athletically. He is involved in football, track and field, and Minnesota Honor Society (MHS). Bryce is kind, down to earth, well-mannered, and mature beyond his years.
He has been matched with his Little Brother Preston for 4 years. They are now the best of buddies. They have a shared love of being active and often spend their time together playing sports like football, basketball, and soccer. Preston has a fond interest in chess, and they have played many riveting games together that have come with a lesson about winning graciously and losing gracefully.
Bryce is especially good at providing Preston with words of affirmation. He’s also been known to dole out some helpful advice. Preston calls Bryce’s words of wisdom his “Bryce words.” Often replaying in his head during crucial moments, Bryce has told Preston to always remember to “slow down” and “think before you act.”
Preston says, “I like being a Little Brother because it’s encouraging to have somebody.”
Bryce’s positive attitude, encouragement, and proactivity with his Little have made an immeasurable difference in his life.
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Rachel Schuneman and Journi are!
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BIGS ON CAMPUS ISELF TOUR!
The Bigs on Campus matches from South Junior High got to go on a tour of the ISELF building at SCSU. They had the chance to interact with the software engineering, video game design, and information technology aspects of the college. We were able to go to the Virtualization Lab and put on special glasses to literally be IN a scene (image 3D but better). It was super cool!
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SPORTS BUDDIES OPEN GYM!
Last month a few of the Sports Buddies matches met for open gym. One of the matches was brand new and were just matched that day! They all seemed to have a great time.
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JACKIE JOHNSON DAY!
We are proud to share that our Executive Director, Jackie Scholl Johnson, is the 2022 Sauk Rapids Citizen of the Year!
The Sauk Rapids Citizen of the Year award was developed as a way to recognize individuals who have given their time and talents to programs or projects that have a positive impact in the Sauk Rapids community.
During Sauk Rapids City Council meeting on April 25th, Sauk Rapids Mayor Kurt Hunstiger presented Jackie with a plaque and proclaimed April 25, 2022 as Jackie Johnson Day.
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Jackie Johnson Executive Director of BBBS of Central MN receiving the Sauk Rapid Citizen of the Year Award from Sauk Rapids Mayor Kurt Hunstiger. |
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THERE IS STILL TIME TO REGISTER FOR THE BIG AUCTION! |
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Place your bids and stand with kids! Let's have some FUN bidding on some great items and supporting Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Minnesota. Since 1969, we have defended the potential of youth. You can be a part of it with your bids and donations!
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BE BIG IN 22!
Visit BigDefenders.org to learn more.
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Are you a current Big? Do you stand with youth? Let everyone know! Go to your Facebook profile and click to change your profile pic. Then click on frames, search BBBS of Central MN and add it to your profile pic! |
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THANK YOU, AUTOMOTIVE PARTS HEADQUARTERS!
This month’s Partner Spotlight goes to APH. At APH giving back to the communities they serve is part of their culture!
Headquartered right here in St. Cloud, they have been supporting the mission of BBBS for 8 years! And we are not alone! APH supports many organizations and community needs throughout their service area. We are proud to be “A Part of the Family”! Thank you Corey and the entire APH team!
We are grateful to all our Community Partners. Check out this list and the next time you are at that business or organization, please thank them for standing with kids!
If you are interested in serving on an event or sponsorship committee or have questions about it contact Emily Steinmetz at 320-258-4515 or Emily@BigDefenders.org
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Corey Bartlett, MAAP President of Automotive Parts Headquarters. |
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Khaldoun Ahmad, Jenna Binsfeld, Peggy Brown (DEI Officer), Debbie Clausen, Kevin Fitzpatrick,
Patty Funk (Secretary), Jeff Gannon, Isaih Handy, Lee Hurd, Courtney Kunkel (Treasurer),
Bill Martin-Chaffee, Lori Mohs, Emmanuel Oppong, Curran Poganski, Marie Primus, Luke Riordan,
Rick Roehl (Vice Pres.), Alex Schoephoerster (President), Christie Schulte, and Vicky Welty.
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Barb Anderson, Mimi Bitzan, Mark Coborn, Joe Francis, Brad Goskowicz, Keith Julson,
Shelly Bauerly Kopel, Gary Marsden, Vince Mohs, Karla Myres, Steve Sauer, Kurt Scepaniak,
Chris Schellinger, Joyce Schlough, John Schnettler, Rob Schumann, Peter Spaniol, Eric Stalboerger, Perian Stavrum, Mark Traut, Joan Vincent, Sue Wendt and Mike Ziemann
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