Living life larger with new friends

The conversations begin with a few simple questions and shy answers.

"What is your favorite color?"

"What is your best memory?"

From these, relationships will blossom and children may find the role models they've been seeking.

Nearly 50 local high school and elementary students have been paired together as participants in the Big Futures program at Jefferson and Franklin elementary schools.

This is the first year the local Big Brothers-Big Sisters organization has actively recruited high school students to participate in the mentoring program, which matches the older students with younger counterparts for character building and physical activities twice a month at each elementary school.

The program has been proven to prevent children from using illegal drugs and skipping school in other cities, said local program manager Kathy Parsons.

"It's a positive experience for the high school kids, and it looks great on a resume and college applications," said Parsons. "The elementary kids love it."

They really look forward to the older students coming and spending time with them, she said.

During a match party Sept. 10 at Jefferson Elementary, the participants were introduced to each other and began getting acquainted over cookies, juice and a question-and-answer game.

It was love at first sight for 7-year-old Amanda Todd and 16-year-old Megan Holloway.

"What do you want to be when you grow up," Megan asked the blond, blue-eyed girl beaming up at her.

"I want to be whatever you want to be," Amanda replied.

"A lawyer?"

"Yeah, a lawyer," Amanda said.

The two already have plans to play basketball when they meet again later this month. But not all of the relationships took off as fast as Megan and Amanda's.

Matters of trust

Trust must be earned, and the first session isn't enough to break barriers with a few of the young students.

Marqueal Jackson, 7, just shook his head when his "big," Jessica Robinson, asked about his favorite holiday.

"Do you like Christmas? How about Thanksgiving," Jessica prodded.

Marqueal polished off his last Oreo cookie, then grabbed one of Jessica's.

The lukewarm reception she received on their first day together didn't dissuade Jessica. She said she had a big sister through Big Brothers-Big Sisters when she was 6.

"It meant a lot," she said. "That's what made me want to do this."

A handful of high school students participated in Big Futures last year, but the organization worked hard to recruit more volunteers this year, Parsons said.

Big Brothers-Big Sisters representatives attended orientations at Central High School and Notre Dame Regional High School to drum up volunteers. Those interested went through an interview process and were specifically matched up with a child who has a similar background or interests.

Michelle Pinkley, 17, was among the few high school students who participated last year. After taking a break over the summer, Michelle was reunited with her match, 7-year-old Haylee Tudor, during the match party.

"We started out slow last year, but Haylee opened up more throughout the year," said Michelle, a Central student.

The only requirement for elementary children participating in Big Futures is that they attend either Jefferson or Franklin elementary.

cclark@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 128