Kosciusko County Resident Named Big Sister Of The Year
Posted
Staff Report-
Kosciusko County resident Sherri Milton received the Big Sister of the Year Award during Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northeast Indiana’s volunteer recognition dinner. The dinner was to honor the recipients of the agency’s 2012 Volunteers of the Year awards. Approximately 425 guests attended the dinner and ceremony at Fort Wayne Hotel to join in the celebration and honor volunteerism throughout Northeast Indiana and Southern Michigan. Volunteer nominees were chosen from a variety of counties based on the impact they’ve made in a young child’s life. A third-party panel consisting of individuals not involved in volunteering for the agency was selected to grade each match based on the same criteria. In total, four mentors from Kosciusko County were nominated for awards, and Milton was recognized as the local Northeast Indiana Big Sister of the Year. Matched since 2004, Milton and “Little Sister” Sarah started in Kosciusko County where they both lived. This match has endured a lot. Sarah moved 1-1/2 hours away to Adams County, yet Milton remains constant and committed as they continue to meet – sometimes for a weekend getaway and sometimes just for a quick slice of pizza. They are adventurous, taking on challenges such as Yellow Stone National Park, white water rafting and horseback riding. But most importantly, Sarah said, “I am thankful for Sherri, she makes me feel like a part of her family!” This award also opens up opportunities for state and national recognition next year. “This event is our way to not only recognize individual volunteers, but a way to say thank to all of our volunteers that dedicate a few hours every month to mentoring,” said Josette Rider, chief executive officer for Big Brothers Big Sisters. “Children are accomplishing dreams and doing things they never would have without a mentor. None of that could happen without our volunteers. They are walking proof that just a little bit of time goes a long way in putting our youth on the path to success,” he continued. More than 80 “Littles” are still looking for a mentor in Kosciusko County. Of those, 70 percent are boys.
