Big Sister of the Year

Tuesday a banquet was held for Deb Groulik, the winner of the National Big Sister of the Year award, and her little sister Jocelyn Craig. The aim of the Big Brothers, Big Sisters Program is to mentor children through one on one interaction. Fort Wayne local Deb Groulik, was chosen as the prime example of how a Big Brother or Big Sister relationship can change a Childs life. Jocelyn and Debbie met 10 years ago. Jocelyns single father and grandmother enrolled her in the program in hopes of putting a female role model in her life. Groulik says “There was something missing in her life and I was able to fulfill that and be another adult in her life, to listen to what she had to say.” The bond formed between this little and Big Sister pair won them a national award, and the best of friendship. Craig says “When I was 11, I came to the conclusion that I could feel our bond and it wasnt going to go away.” Groulik saya “The pivotal part for me was when Jocylns Dad told me that she wanted me to help plan her wedding. She was only 11 and was planning that far in the future. Thats when I realized how much of an impact I was making and how important our relationship was to both of us.” Jocelyn Plans to go to Indiana University in Bloomington. She says she plans to keep traveling, a passion passed on to her from her Big Sister. Jocelyn says “Shes not just the National Big of the Year; shes my Big of the Universe every year.” Debbie says her secret to being a Great Big Sister is consistency in her Little Sisters life. Jocylen told me she plans on being a Big Sister herself. To register to be a Big Sister or Brother, paste the link below into your browser and click on the volunteering tab: http://www.bbbs.org/site/c.diJKKYPLJvH/b.1539751/k.BDB6/Home.htm