Big Couple of the Year 2009 ~ Sean & Melissa Morrissey
Click here to Watch the Big Couple of the Year Video!!
Big Sister of the Year, Susan Thurston, and the Big Couple of the Year, Sean & Melissa Morrissey, are exceptional examples of ordinary people who have made a BIG difference in the lives of two special Littles. Susan, Sean and Melissa have also been active supporters of the BBBS program by helping to organize match activities, volunteering at Bowl for Kids’ Sake and Comedy Benefit, and encouraging their friends and families to get involved with and contribute to the BBBSCO program.
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Susan and her Little Sister Rosie recently celebrated their fourth amazing year of being matched, and right from the very start it was like two soul sisters connecting. Susan has worked tirelessly to be a constant role model for Rosie, encouraging her to set goals and plan for the future, and just being someone Rosie can lean on. The two have developed a very strong, sisterly bond, and enjoy doing things together that allow them to build their wonderful friendship. From horseback riding, camping, berry picking in the valley, enjoying tea downtown, baking, snowshoeing, having monthly sleepovers and shopping for homecoming dresses, Susan and Rosie are truly like family.
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Sean and Melissa have made their relationship with Mac a main priority in their lives and have remained consistent in their get-togethers for the past three years. In 
the beginning they mostly spent time outdoors doing fun activities like rock climbing, canoeing, biking, hiking, spelunking, camping, going to baseball games, and participating in many BBBS organized match activities. When school proved to be a challenge for Mac, Sean and Melissa made a commitment to spend one evening a week doing school work and promised to keep doing fun stuff together on the weekends. Mac is now in his freshman year of high school, attending regular classes, and is steadily improving in all areas of his life.
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A heart felt thank you to our 2009 Bigs of the Year for their outstanding commitment to our organization and their Littles. We are in the business of changing the way children grow up in Central Oregon and these Bigs have made it happen.
~ Jefferson County 2009 Big Brother and Sister of the Year ~
Big Sister of the Year was awarded to Cindi Potter. Cindi was unable to be at the festivities so her husband, Ray, accepted the award on her behalf with Torie whom Cindi has mentored since August of 2007. Cindi takes Torie shopping, they play Wii at their house, Torie has attended Pi-Um-Sha in Warm Springs, they bowl, and have rafted the Big Eddy. Cindi also takes Torie’s sisters on outings once in awhile. Hilario Diaz, who was first matched with Brett in 2004, was awarded the Big Brother of the Year. Hilario, who is now matched with Dakota as well as a new match, Tristan, feels that it is important to spend time with kids, even if it is only 10 hours a month. At the Awards Ceremony Brett, who has turned 16 now and is no longer formally matched with Hilario, spoke a little about how Hilario made a difference in his life. Brett has joined the Jefferson County Fire Department where Hilario is a Volunteer Captain. Thank You Captain Diaz and Cindi for your dedication to our program!
2009 BIGS of the YEAR