Many high school students sign up to be mentors on their own or after talking to friends, but sometimes teachers and school employees refer specific kids to Big Brothers of Central Minnesota; high schoolers they know would make great mentors and have a positive influence on the life of a child in the district.
Casey Knettel was one of those kids. He was referred to BBBS between his eighth and ninth-grade years in the Holdingford School District, and it would have been easy for him to say no. He is involved in wrestling and baseball, and a good student, so his schedule is full. But Casey said yes, and in October 2023 he met Riley for the first time. Now, Casey is the 2025 state and Central Minnesota High School Big Brother of the Year.
Casey and Riley’s initial meetings were quiet. Riley was reserved, and didn’t always want to talk about his day or share what he was thinking or feeling. They played a lot of Legos, because that’s all Riley wanted to do.
But Casey was persistent and kind, and gently encouraged Riley to try a few other games during their weekly meetups. While Legos continue to be Riley’s favorite – he and Casey enjoy building Lego cars and seeing whose is faster – Jenga and cup stacking have now been added to the rotation, and they love to play outside together.
Their activities of choice aren’t the only changes in their relationship in the past 15 months. Now, Riley lights up when he sees Casey walk into the classroom, and he loves checking in with both Casey and the duo’s program coordinator with BBBS. He talks about all the adventures he and Casey have had, and also what’s happening at home, in class – anything that’s happening in his life.
“I see a huge difference in Riley; he is much happier with his Big Brother,” Riley’s mom, Abbie, said. “He looks forward to the day they get to spend time together.”
After finishing his freshman year at Holdingford and looking ahead to his sophomore year, Casey was initially nervous about having enough time in his schedule to support Riley. On top of wrestling and baseball, he also got involved in student council, but he worked with BBBS staff to come up with a plan to continue his relationship with Riley – and now that weekly commitment is the best part of his week.
“It doesn’t take much time (to be a mentor), so it’s definitely a way to impact someone,” Casey said. “You get to spend time one-on-one together, and that’s what a lot of people need. Most people think it’s for the Little’s benefit, but it’s also benefitted me, too.”