ST. CLOUD, Minn. – Through Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Minnesota, hundreds of people in the area volunteer each year as Bigs for youth around the community who need a mentor. The volunteers range from high school students to adults in the community, and they do everything from arts and crafts to sports to homework help to getting ice cream and driving around St. Cloud.
In order to honor the work and time put in by the Bigs, BBBS of Central Minnesota annually recognizes a handful of mentors with a Big of the Year award. A Big Brother and Big Sister of the year are selected along with a Big Couple or Big Family of the Year, and a High School Big Brother and Big Sister of the year are also chosen.
This year’s Big Sister of the Year is Kaela Kopp of St. Cloud, who has been matched with her Little Brother, Ayden, more seven years. Nathan Molitor is the Big Brother of the Year. Molitor, who also resides in St. Cloud, has been matched with his Little Brother, Justin, for almost five years. The Burns family of Sartell is this year’s Big Family of the Year. Hilary and Bryan Burns and their children Addie, Caitlyn and Alex have been matched with Keyvonte for five years. Foley student Matthew Rothfork is the High School Big Brother of the Year, and St. Cloud Cathedral student Olivia Bauerly is the High School Big Sister of the Year.
Each of the five Central Minnesota Bigs of the year move on to the state level to be considered for state awards. The state winner moves on to the national competition. State winners will be announced in early March.
Along with honoring Bigs for their work, Central Minnesota also honors two Littles each year for their progress during their match. This year’s Little Brother of the Year is Damin, who has been matched with his Big Brother Bradley Bergstrom for more than two years. The Little Sister of the Year is Andrea, and she’s been matched with her Big Sister Tammy Stafford for four years.
Stay tuned on social media over the course of the spring to learn more about each of the Bigs and Littles of the Year.