Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
FORT WAYNE – On Wednesday, Big Brothers Big Sisters hosted a celebration for its high school graduating Littles and honored several scholarship recipients.
Sponsored by Ambassador Enterprises, graduates and their supporters attended to commemorate the accomplishments of each Little from the past four years of high school — and to celebrate their bright futures ahead, according to a provided news release.
Big Brothers Big Sisters also introduced several scholarship recipients at the event. Little Brother Ahmat, Little Brother Diego, Little Sister Jo’Leana and Little Sister Jessica each received the support of the Fort Wayne Medical Society Alliance in their pursuit of healthcare degrees. Additionally, Diego, who will attend Columbia University for biology, and Little Sister Gazhelle, who will attend IU Indianapolis for business management, were announced as the 2026 recipients of the Frank Zirille Scholarship, which covers the financial gap between aid received and the total cost of attending college or trade school.
Hosted in the International Ballroom at Purdue Fort Wayne, the night included a complimentary dinner and gift baskets to help graduates in the next phase of their life. Later, graduating Littles entered a raffle for prizes such as an HD Smart TV, a JBL speaker and an Echo Dot. The guest motivational speaker of the evening, Dr. Avery Freeman-Harris, shared wisdom and encouragement with Littles as they enter adulthood. The graduates then received custom stoles and diplomas, with their past achievements and future endeavors presented to the audience.
“We couldn’t be prouder of the 33 Littles that reached this milestone and can’t wait to continue supporting them in this next chapter,” said Leticia White, program director. “Whether college, military or the workforce, it’s an honor to celebrate where these Littles started and where they are going.”
There were 33 total Littles from across Northeast Indiana graduating this year: 19 Littles from Allen County, two Littles from Noble County, four Littles from DeKalb County, five Littles from Kosciusko County, one Little from Steuben County and two Littles from Wells County.
These Littles had some big plans for their futures. I.U. Bloomington, Columbia University, I.U. Indianapolis, Purdue University Fort Wayne, University of St. Francis, Trine University, Ball State University, Grace College, and Murray State University were among the colleges the graduates plan on attending. The future trades picked included firefighting, manufacturing, construction, the Air Force, cosmetology, welding, truck driving and the police force.
Big Brothers Big Sisters couldn’t be prouder of how far these Littles have gone, along with the mentorship, families and community that supported them along the way. To learn more about BBBS programs and how to get involved, visit www.bbbsnei.org or call 260-456-1600.
