Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
Relationships between Bigs and Littles in Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) can last years, even after a Little ages out of the program, as was demonstrated at the 12th Annual “The Big Celebration” Tuesday.
Makia Lucas was a first-grader when she became a Little to Big Sister Briana Kessler. Now, Lucas is beginning college and the two stay in regular contact with each other. In June, they were honored in Philadelphia as the national 2025 Big Sister and Little Sister of the Year by BBBS of America.
“Chosen and recognized out of hundreds of matches nominated across the country, their journey is an incredible example of what happens when mentoring changes a life,” said Director of Community Development - Kosciusko Tammy Smith in introducing Lucas and Kessler, who were highlighted as the Mission Moment at the 2024 Big Celebration.
“Since The Big Celebration last year, we have been busy. We’ve had quite a year. This summer, our families traveled with us to Philadelphia for the Big Brothers Big Sisters National Conference where we were honored as National Big Sister and Little Sister of the Year. Out of more than 300 agencies across the country, we were chosen to represent Big Brothers Big Sisters for the next year,” Kessler said. “It was such an incredible honor and a humbling reminder of the power of mentorship. But what makes the recognition truly special is not just our story, it’s what it represents. It’s a reflection of the resilience and hard work Makia has shown and the dedication of everyone in this room who uplifts our community through their support of Big Brothers Big Sisters.”
Lucas said this year has been filled with huge milestones for her. In May, she graduated with her associates degree in criminal justice and two weeks after that graduated from Warsaw Community High School. She received a number of scholarships, which made it possible for her to attend Ball State University this fall. At BSU, she’s majoring in criminal justice, double minoring in women, gender and African-American studies, along with psychology.
“I’ll be done with this by the age of 19, and then be pursuing my master’s degree. This is all in my pursuit of becoming a homicide detective, in honor of my father, who I did lose to homicide,” Lucas said.
Throughout all the changes, she said one thing has remained the same - she’s still matched with Kessler.
“And I’m still so grateful for this program and for all who make it possible for things like this to happen for kids like me,” Lucas said.
Kessler and Lucas were presented Tuesday with custom-made lettermen jackets from the BBBS national office.
This year’s Mission Moment focused on Big Sister Glennie Monroe, who has served for a volunteer mentor for over 20 years, first to Little Sister Jerica in 2004 and then Little Sister Coriana in 2018.
After a 10-minute video, Jerica spoke on behalf of Coriana, who was nervous, saying, in part, “I just want to say how much I appreciate Glenn and everything that she had done for my family and me over the years. She always encourages me to do my best at school and has been such a positive influence in my life. Honestly, she is one of the finest people I’ve ever met.”
Jerica, now 29 with kids of her own, then read her own speech, saying, “I wanted to honor someone who has been one of the most important persons in my life, my Big Sister Glenn. Glennie and I were matched when I was just 7 years old. Back then, I used to tell her all the time that she’s pretty cool. Probably one of the coolest people.”
She said Glennie is still amazing and more than a mentor - a friend, a sister and one who has been there for her no matter what.
Monroe said Jerica and Coriana are great girls who just needed a little bit more guidance in their lives.
“They knew they had someone they could talk to and listen to, not that I didn’t share my opinions, we just seemed to work it out, no matter what they told me. And if it was something their parents needed to know, I always included their moms in the discussion,” she said. “I’ve made such wonderful memories, and I feel like mentoring is something that anyone can do.”
She thanked Jerica and Coriana, her family and the people who support BBBS.
“Without your support, I could not have been able to experience these two girls and our life-changing adventure. Big Brothers Big Sisters has had a lasting and positive impact on all of our lives. My hope is that Jerica and Coriana continue to be in my life,” Monroe said.
She told anyone considering being a Big to try it. “It only takes little to be a Big.”
The Big Celebration is a fundraiser and awareness builder for BBBS to ensure that more children will find the mentors they need and deserve, according to master of ceremonies Woody Zimmerman in his welcoming comments.
During the celebration, Michelle Smith LeDrew presented the 2025 Charles D. Smith Award, which celebrates individuals who have made a lasting impact through volunteerism and community leadership, to Trace Hansen. The award is named in honor of Smith LeDrew’s father, Charles Smith.
“For those of you in the room who knew my dad, you knew that he valued people - family and friends, relationships above all else. He was generous and intentional with his time and his resources. He invested in others and in this special community we call home,” she said, in part.
For more than 45 years, Smith LeDrew said her dad dedicated himself to civic service as an educator, mentor, leader and a community advocate. “Charlie’s life is a testimony to the incredible impact that volunteers have every day. As an avid supporter of Big Brothers Big Sisters, and the children in this community, Charlie’s efforts led to a 100% increase of children served in Kosciusko County.”
After a video tribute honoring Hansen as the award recipient, Tammy said, “Tonight we celebrate service and community with the Charles D. Smith Award, honoring passionate volunteerism, strong leadership and lifelong commitment to others. As you just heard, this year’s recipient, Trace Hansen, embodies these values, guided by family, faith and community.”
Tammy said Hansen leads with generosity and quiet support that consistently makes a difference.
Accepting the award, Hansen said, “Hearing the names before that have won this award, I don’t feel like I belong with those people that I know, but thank you. I’m humbled, mostly I’m honored.”
He said he didn’t have the opportunity to know Charlie, but learned and heard so much about him through stories from friends, co-workers, former students and players and his wife.
“To even be considered to be in his category, I can’t believe I’m winning this award, honestly. All I can say is community is why we’re here. Kids are why we’re here. I don’t always feel like I have the resources, I don’t always feel like I have the time, but if someone asks, I’ll find a way. I challenge each and every one of you to find a way,” Hansen stated.
Earlier in the celebration, Tammy said as she reflected on these last few years, she was truly humbled by the progress that was made but not surprised.
“This is my community, and I knew that when presented with the opportunity to help the kids here, you would step up, and you have,” she said. ‘We’ve been able to expand not just our programs, but also our team. We now have four staff members locally, each helping to strengthen the impact we can make.”
Along with Tammy, staff members include Wendy Hampton, site-based match support; Barb Sweeney, match support specialist; and Sue Poyner, enrollment specialist.
“This growth in staff means greater opportunities for match activities, stronger program services and deeper connections across the county,” Tammy said, who also expressed appreciation for BBBS CEO Josette Rider’s leadership and the entire agency overall for their support of the work that is being done in Kosciusko County.
“Our fundraising efforts have also reached new heights. From the continued success of Bowl for Kids’ Sake to last year’s Big Celebration, which was a record-breaking event with nearly a 40% increase in support, this community has rallied around this mission in extraordinary ways, and that impact is real - more children reached and more mentoring relationships formed,” Tammy stated.
This year, BBBS of Kosciusko County is on track to match 200 kids with a mentor.
The celebration ended with a fashion show, with Bigs and Littles showing off clothing from Glam Boutique and Male Fashions.
