Big Brothers Big Sisters of Mid-Maine hosted over 175 Bigs, Littles and their families at its annual program celebrations, held in January and February at the Penobscot Bay YMCA in Rockport and at the Boys & Girls Club and YMCA at the Alfond Youth Center in Waterville.

Matches from Kennebec, Knox, Lincoln, Penobscot, Somerset and Waldo counties enjoyed hours of activities, food and festivities, including swimming, rock wall climbing, basketball, arts and crafts, games and an awards ceremony recognizing distinguished community and school-based matches.

Big Brothers Big Sisters helps kids facing adversity by providing professionally-supported, community and school-based 1-to-1 mentoring programs throughout its six-county service area. The event brought together Littles and Bigs to celebrate program success, community support and the agency’s 532 youth served this year.

Big Brothers Big Sisters is pleased to recognize this year’s award recipients:

The “Never Miss Life Award,” named in memory of former Little Sister Jessica Breault, was presented to Valerie King and her “Little” Destinee (Kennebec).

Community-based “Match of the Year” awards were presented to Bob Beck and Micah (Knox) and to Brittany Kimball and Faith (Kennebec). Honorable mention certificates were presented to: Mark Allen and Ben (Kennebec); Dawn LeVasseur and Vanessa (Waldo); Melanie Langmeyer and Julia (Knox) and Kay Liss and Arizona (Lincoln).

School-based “Match of the Year” awards were presented to: Will Nealey and Matthew (Wagner Middle School) and Lilly Kassen and Jason (Lincolnville Central School). Honorable Mention certificates were presented to matches at their respective schools: Catherine Moores and Cullin (Warren Community School); Allie Gorrill and True (Great Salt Bay Community School) Ashton Harvey and Madison (Miller Elementary School); Brittany Rykty and Austin (South School); Jaki Flagg and Tiara (East Belfast Elementary School); Larry Farrington and Jesse (Gardiner Area Boys & Girls Club); Erica Meehan and Miren (Leroy Smith School); Jake Maltz and Corey (Wagner Middle School); Jared Duggan and John (Leonard Middle School) and Hope Hoang and Maggie (Gilbert Elementary School).

Emma Silverton and her Little, Kyle, from Lincolnville Central School, won this year’s program celebration design contest.

Twenty-two matches were celebrated for reaching anniversary milestones. Community-based matches celebrating seven years, Mary Jane West and Antyna (Knox); six years, Bill Leathem and Bradley (Penobscot), Susan Gray and Chloe (Lincoln), TJ Mack and Jazmyn (Waldo), Bob Beck and Micah (Knox), Dawn LeVasseur and Vanessa (Waldo); five years, Linda Leonard and Chantelle (Knox), Melanie Langmeyer and Julia (Knox), Karen Matthews and Kaytlyn (Knox), Jeremy Peskoe and Brian (Waldo); four years, Syrena Gatewood and Danielle (Waldo), Mark Fitzpatrick and Zac (Waldo) and Kay Liss and Arizona (Lincoln).

Littles and their high school Bigs honored for three or more years as school-based matches included: Hannah Olsen and Brittany (Lincolnville Central School); Chris Bresnahan and Logan (Hope Elementary School); Claire Dumont and Cheyenne (Nobleboro Central School); Briana Fowles and Hannah (Medomak Middle School); Kristin Ashley Wolf and Nola (Edna Drinkwater); Scott Hilt and Chris (East Belfast Elementary); Meredith Laliberte and Kylie (Miller Elementary School); Trenton Stewart and Adam (Warren Community School) and Will Nealey and Mathew (Wagner Middle School).

Hannaford, one of the agency’s major corporate partners, sponsored both events. Community partners providing support also included: Pizza Hut, Domino’s Pizza, Dunkin Donuts, Burger King, Friendly’s, Waterville Opera House, W.S. Emerson, Luce Transportation and Cyr Busline.

To learn more about changing a child’s life as a volunteer or donor, call Big Brothers Big Sisters of Mid-Maine at 207-236-2227, email info@bbbsmidmaine.org or visit www.bbbsmidmaine.org.