Thacker and Michalski named Big Brother and Big Sister of the Year

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Maricopa has announced the high school Big Brother and Big Sister of the Year.

Big Brother of the Year is Kurtis Thacker. He has been a Big Brother in the Maricopa program for three school years.

Big Sister of the Year is Jennifer Michalski, who has been a mentor to her Little Sister Shyla during this school year.

Both Thacker and Michalski will compete against other high school Big Brother and Big Sister winners in Maricopa and Gila counties for the title of High School Big of the Year for Central Arizona. The winner will be announced in the fall.

Last year’s winner for Central Arizona was Seth Honse, Maricopa’s High School Big of the Year.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Arizona has provided support, guidance, friendship and fun by matching children to volunteer mentors since 1955. Big Brothers Big Sisters operates in all 50 states and in 35 countries around the world.

National research (“Making a Difference: An Impact Study of Big Brothers Big Sisters”) shows that positive relationships between youth and their Big Brother or Big Sister have direct and measurable impact in terms of Little Brothers and Sisters skipping school, using illegal drugs or alcohol, their academic performance and getting along better with their families.

Anyone interested in becoming a Big Brother or Big Sister should contact local BBBS Program Specialist Jennifer Holmes at 520-483-8474.

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