Kosciusko 'Big' Honored As Ind. Big Sister Of The Year
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Jennifer Peryam-jperyam@timesuniononline.com
Long-time Kosciusko County resident and retiree from Zimmer Sherri Milton was recently honored as Big Sister of the Year by Indiana’s Big Brothers Big Sisters organization for her contribution to both the agency and the life of her Little, Sarah. Earlier in 2013, Milton was recognized by her local Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northeast Indiana agency, but this is a separate, statewide recognition. Milton was nominated for this award based on her passion and sincerity toward both the mission of Big Brothers Big Sisters, and more importantly her Little, Sarah. Milton will be honored later in the year at a celebration for all nominees in Indianapolis. Volunteer nominees were submitted by local agencies throughout Indiana. A panel of five third-party judges consisting of individuals not involved in volunteering for the agency and located throughout the state then graded each match nominee based on the same criteria. Milton has been matched with Sarah for nine years. In 2004, Milton was looking to fill a void in her life when she became involved with Big Brothers Big Sisters as she and husband, Terry, were becoming empty nesters. She had volunteered with many organizations at an administrative level, but was ready to experience volunteerism on a more personal level. Her uncle was a Big and he seemed to enjoy his time with his little, so she decided to try it. Milton was matched as Sarah’s Big Sister in the agency’s site-based program for the first three years and enjoyed having lunch at school with Sarah. Milton described Sarah as an adorable and sweet little girl. “I remember the first time I had lunch with Sarah at her school,” said Sherri with a smile. “As we stood in line, she introduced me to a friend as her ‘big sister.’ This little first grader got wide-eyes, looked at me then whispered to Sarah, ‘Just how old is your big sister, anyway?’” The two have enjoyed their time together talking about things that both Sarah and Sherri liked. They found out they enjoyed many of the same things – cooking, crafts, music and family. After a while, the two decided to become a community-based match and, with Sarah’s mother’s permission, Milton included Sarah in many of her family activities and she has become part of her extended family over the years. “My favorite part of the relationship,” said Milton, “is the feeling that Sarah is part of our family.” “Sarah has a very loving mother,” said Milton. “All I do is give her guidance when she needs it and provide her an avenue to achieve her goals when I am able. We hear so many negative things about children raised by single mothers and those raised in poverty. Sarah is a poster child for these families to rebuke the negative and show what is possible with loving, caring and supportive people in a child’s life. I’m proud to be one of those people.” One of the main feats accomplished by the match was to overcome the struggle Sarah had with shyness and self-confidence which left her with no desire for school or friends. She could have been portrayed as a child who cared about little. Milton identified with these struggles since she was a very shy child and struggled with self-confidence. By just spending a few hours a month, Milton helped Sarah overcome her shyness and become more outgoing. Sarah said that her big sister taught her how to pick the right friends, stay out of trouble, and to think about the future. Sarah is now a much more outgoing young lady, according to the award announcement. She has conquered many fears, and has auditioned for multiple plays and singing opportunities. But the biggest accomplishment of all might be at school. Sarah was once completely disinterested in school. Now her grades are steadily improving and she is thinking about college and her future. The benefits of this relationship are not a one-way street though. Milton has learned a few things as well. “My life was so hectic at times that I failed to enjoy the simple things,” said Milton. “Our relationship, at its core, is built on respect, love and doing or enjoying the simple things in life. Sarah brought creativity and artistic appreciation back in my life. And she reinforced the true meaning of family to me. Families are made and nurtured based upon relationships that go beyond blood ties.”
