Spring Splash!
Spring Splash
Wild Water Adventure Park
May 31st
4:00 – 7:00 pm
Each year, Wild Water Adventure Park generously opens up their park to Big Brothers, Big Sisters, Littles, and Families before it is open to the public. Over 200 of our program participants gather for an afternoon of water rides, arcade games, food and fun. During the event, our Bigs of the Year are honored for their commitment to their Littles and to the program. These Bigs are selected by a panel of individuals from the community who support Big Brothers Big Sisters. Pictured below are the 2012 recipients.
2012 Bigs of the Year
Big Brother of the Year – Samuel Barnette
“Hi my name is Rafael, I am nominating my Big Brother Samuel Barnette (Sam) for Big Brother of the Year. Sam continues to help me manage my attitude and behavior as I’m growing up to be a young man. I was struggling with my nasty attitude being a bad boy with negative behavior. If anyone asked me to do something, I would say no and not give others a chance, but then I met Sam. He has taught me how to be respectful, polite, and how to control my anger. My Big Brother and I have done so many fun and exciting activities together. For example, Sam and I went on television twice and did an interview about being in the Big Brothers Big Sisters program. We were able to meet different news reporters and this was fun for us. Sam also taught me how to fish and we had a great time during our camping trip. The best thing Sam and I have done together was when we went camping and we were able to catch two fish. Sam should be Big Brother of the Year because he took his valued time to help me a lot by showing me from right and wrong. I learned from Sam that I shouldn’t have a girl friend at such a young age and I should focus on school and being a good person to others. Sam encourages me to do well in school and to be prepared for the future. Sam has a great job in life; he is a firefighter and he saves lives as well as saving my life by taking his time to be my Big Brother and teaching me what is right and wrong and to do the correct thing for society. Sam is a generous person that cares for others and I believe he deserves to be Big Brother of the Year because he is the best friend anyone can ask for.
Rafael
Fresno County
Big Sister of the Year – Carmen Hernandez
“Hi my name is Melissa; I am nominating my Big Sister Carmen Hernandez for Big Sister of the Year. Carmen has helped me with many different things such as my school work, reading, writing, math, and also with my self-confidence. Before I met Carmen, I was a shy girl and she helped me with being more social with other kids and I have the confidence in myself that I did not have before I met her. We have been on so many fun outings together; all the activities we have done are my favorite. For example, we have been bowling and we have also been to the park with all my sisters and their Big Sisters too. We had a picnic and had a lot of fun together that day. Carmen is great, she has helped me read better and also buys me books and reads with me so I can improve. The best part of my match is that I met a new friend and sister that I can call my best friend for life. I think that Carmen should be Big Sister of the Year because when I ever have a problem or a question, she is always there to help me and give me advice. I can trust her and she makes me want to be a better person. Seeing how nice Carmen is to other people has made me want to be nicer to other people too. She has been a role model to me and I will always look up to her as my sister because she is a good person, always happy, smiling and always laughing. I love Carmen and am thankful for her being a part of my life.”
Melissa
Fresno County
High School Big Brother of the Year – Jose Moreno
“My Big Brother Jose should be Big Brother of the Year because he is the kind of Big Brother that every Little Brother would like to have for them self. He plays every sport I like to play: football, basketball, volleyball, soccer, kickball, tag, four square, tetherball and running. Even when he doesn’t want to, my Big will do it just to make me happy! He’s really cool! He also goes on the Jungle Gym and he doesn’t think it’s just for girls! We always take turns picking what activity we are going to do at Big Brothers Big Sisters Program, but Jimmy lets me pick all of the time. I’m not supposed to tell you that! Sometimes I don’t like doing my homework because it’s too hard but my Big says that my education is important if I want to get a good job someday. I tell my Big that schoolwork is hard and he says that there is nothing too hard to learn if you try your best. I tell my Big that I have special problems learning. My Big tells me that I am Special! When I am with my Big, I feel like I am on top of the world because he makes me feel like I can do anything. My Big is also a good listener and he cares about my feelings and about what I have to say. We always laugh together, tell jokes, and we have so much fun together! On Fridays he surprises me with a treat but he always makes sure I have earned it, because he’s says nothing is for free except for three things in life praises, hugs and smiles. If I made you smile, as my Big would say, “You Know what the right thing is to do”
Michael
MaderaCounty
High School Big Sister of the Year – Ruth Arenas
“I am nominating my Big Sister Ruth Arenas for Big Sister of the Year because she is a nice friend. Every Friday for the High School Bigs Program she is always there. My Big helps me with my homework and other projects that I need help with in class. Before I was not matched with my Big I did not do good in school but now I’m smart. Since my Big helps me with homework, now I get better grades. We like to go on the Jungle Gym and play on the swings, slide, and monkey bars. We also like to play board games, color and work on Kids with Character and have lots of parties. My Big also talks with me when I am sad and then she makes me happy. Friday’s are my best day because that is when I get to see my Big Sister. Please pick my Big Sister Ruth for big of the Year because she knows how to be a good friend.”
Mary
MaderaCounty
