They give their time and attention to children who need it the most. For over ten years now, students from Lancaster High School have volunteered to mentor young children through the Fairfield County Big Brothers Big Sisters program.  

LHS school counselor Mary Jo Wooten said the program is meaningful to elementary students who need a role model and that BBBS has had a positive impact on attendance.

“Sometimes an elementary school teacher tells us that the only day that the”little ” comes to school is the day that their”big ” is going to come to meet with them. They are so excited for their “big” to come to play with them that they will not miss that day,” she said. 

       Although the teenagers are mentors to the elementary students, the benefits of being involved in the program are reciprocal.

     “From a young age, I knew that this was something I wanted to do. Once I found out that you can start Big Brothers Big Sisters in high school I made sure to sign up,” said LHS senior Peyton Wilson.

“Every Thursday afternoon my life changes for the better. This is

when I get to go see my little one. He has shown me that no matter what is going on in life, there is always time to do good, make people feel important, and point out the beautiful things in this world,” said Wilson.

LHS senior Brooke Ehorn said that volunteering with BBBS has been meaningful time spent with a child who may not be able to rely on others.

“I started volunteering for BBBS because I had heard of the great thing this organization does for children in need. After matching with my Little last year and spending time every week with him, I can see not only the impact that it makes on his life but also on mine. He looks forward to seeing me and spending time with me.  It gives him something to look forward to that he knows he can rely on,” she said.

     LHS senior Blaine Mohler implied that the benefits of the program are more pragmatic.

 “Benefits from being in a group such as BBBS include getting to go to another school and matching with a kid that you are able to talk to and hear about what they have to say. Overall just being able to hang out with the little and do either crafts or play in the gymnasium. Along with that, it is also like a class in which you do receive a whole credit just for being in BBBS,” he commented.

        Another LHS senior, Avelyn Solt said spending time with children and volunteering makes her feel good.

     “I began volunteering at the beginning of this year (my senior year). Volunteering for BBBS has helped bring back my childhood memories, being in elementary school and being with younger kids helps bring out the kid in me and relieves stress,” she said.

     Those who are interested in joining the LHS Big Brother Big Sister program must follow a process.

      “You do an application, have teacher recommendations, training, and an interview, have to be able to drive, and we work it into their schedule because you have to have two periods back to back, whether that be a study hall backed up to a lunch or two study halls,” said guidance counselor and group sponsor Melissa Roundhouse.