Every time a child is matched with a mentor through Big Brothers Big Sisters, something big begins to happen.

According to BBBS organizers, the role of Big Brothers Big Sisters is to provide a child facing adversity with a trusted adult friend to help change his or her life for the better.

Big Brothers Big Sisters this summer celebrated the traditional community-based program’s first high school graduates. Those graduates included Little Brother Tim Tafoya, Little Sister Toni Wilkins and Little Brother Ricky Mozqueda.

These three graduates were paired with caring role models in their lives to support them in their growth and development and help them reach their potential, BBBS organizers said.

Little Brother Tim Tafoya and Big Brother John Fischer

Tafoya was matched with his Big Brother, John Fischer, in November 2003, when he was 10 years old. For more than seven years they have enjoyed trips to the beach, Carowinds and even Disney World in Florida. Tafoya has also spent hours helping his Big Brother cut and stack firewood, paint walls and handle other chores to “earn” his way on some of these trips.

Big Brothers Big Sisters encourages Bigs to involve their Littles in community service projects. Fischer and Tafoya spent their time volunteering together to teach chess to elementary school students at Polk Central.

Tafoya has come a long way since this match began, recently celebrating his 18th birthday at his Big Brother’s home on the mountain. Tafoya was involved in high school band, track, soccer, wrestling and was on the ski team.

Following the family tradition of military service, Little Brother had been planning to go into the Marines after high school graduation, but broke his leg while playing soccer, so that plan is currently on hold.

Through the years Fischer has cultivated a close relationship with Tafoya’s family. Tafoya said the Big Brother/Little Brother experience has been “awesome” and he hopes one day to become a Big Brother himself, and pay the experience forward.

Little Sister Toni Wilkins and Big Sister Terri Edwards

When Toni Wilkins met her Big Sister, Terri Edwards, she was instantly welcomed into a large extended Green Creek family.

Initially their outings were spent volunteering at an area nursing home, leading bingo games.

Gradually the outings became more family centered as Wilkins enjoyed riding the family four-wheeler, going exploring or to the movies with her Big Sister’s family and attending large Sunday dinners. Edwards’s teenage daughter, Lauren, soon felt more like a sister.

“My favorite times with Toni are Sunday afternoon lunches at Nana’s. Everyone is talking, laughing and telling stories,” Edwards said. “Toni feels so comfortable that she jumps right in,

and if she needs to tell me something in private, she feels comfortable with us talking quietly there together. Yesterday, the whole family got into a discussion about our faith, and Toni shared openly about how mu

ch hers has grown recently with difficult times she’s endured. That was so special and wonderful to hear.”

Edwards said it has been wonderful watching Wilkins grow from a 14-year-old girl into the young woman she has become.

“She has been through some tough times during these last four years, but it has all been a growing experience. I’m very happy that she’s allowed my family to be a part of it all. We love her dearly,” Edwards said.

Even though Wilkins recently graduated and the official match has come to an end, Edwards said she knows Wilkins will continue to be a part of the Edwards family.

“There will be many more Nana’s Sunday and other get-togethers,” she said. “She calls me ‘Mama T,’ and once a daughter, always a daughter!”

Wilkins attended the Virtual Early College and recommends this path for anyone interested in a nontraditional high school experience. She plans to continue her education after high school, and would eventually like to mentor a child herself.

Little Brother Ricky Mozqueda and Big Brother Randy Young

Little Brother Ricky Mozqueda has not had it easy in his young life. But he and his Big Brother Randy Young have found common ground to share in lifting his spirits over their three and a half years together.

Randy has enjoyed attending some of his Little Brother’s sports events to cheer on and support his Little Brother. They also have enjoyed golfing, bowling and attending Big Brothers Big Sisters annual events like the summer pool party and picnic, and holiday gatherings.

Mozqueda has been involved in high school track throughout high school, and achieved the distinction of being named “Runner of the Year” for Polk County High School last fall.

Being the first in his immediate family to graduate from high school is another fine distinction.  But on top of that, he plans to attend Belmont Abbey College this fall and looks forward to being involved on the track and field team.

As their matches come to official closure after graduation, all these Bigs and Littles agree that the friendships will endure.

There are always children on the Big Brothers Big Sisters waiting list who would like to have a Big Brother or Big Sister to help guide them on their paths to young adulthood.

For more information, call 828-859-9230.

– article submitted by Karen Dacey