Both Daniel Weidner and Nathan Molitor believe that Big Brothers Big Sisters is an important organization that defends the potential of youth, and also that education plays an important role in unleashing someone’s full potential.
In order to help support the education of youth in Central Minnesota, and students who have been or are a part of BBBS, Weidner and Molitor established the Dahlias Alongside Grand Lake Scholarship in 2023.
This year’s winners are Declan Frantesl and Sonja Counter.
“I have many great memories because of the wonderful relationship I developed with Payton, who was my Big. We had a good connection and continued our match even after she graduated and met virtually since she was a graduate student in Illinois."
Frantesl recalls a fun experience with his Big: "One fun experience was skating at the Herb Brooks National Hockey Center on campus. It was a fun break in the day, and the opportunity to spend time at SCSU is one of the experiences that really helped me transition to college life.”
Frantesl is currently attending Winona State University, majoring in secondary mathematics education. He wants to be a high school math teacher and coach high school athletics. He has participated in many leadership opportunities and enjoys being involved in student activities in college.
“My Big means a lot to me because she's been someone I could always count on," said Counter. "She showed up for me, supported me and made me feel like I mattered. Whether we were talking about serious things or just enjoying time together, she always made me feel comfortable and understood.”
Counter plans to get her general education credits from St. Cloud Technical and Community College and then transfer to another institution to pursue a degree in social work and help others in her career.
The Dahlias Alongside Grand Lake Scholarship was started by Weidner and Molitor, who have both been involved in BBBS as Big Brothers, and both are former Big Brothers of the Year. One scholarship is awarded to a current or former Little graduating from high school and a second scholarship is awarded to one current or former Little currently enrolled in a post-secondary institution.