Sturgis Youth Advisory Council awards grant to Big Buddy program

Liz Shepard, Sturgis Journal

Sturgis High School's Big Buddy program recently received a grant from the Sturgis Youth Advisory Council of the Sturgis Area Community Foundation.

Piper Holdsworth, Anaiz Martinez and Lea Valdez participate in the Big Buddy program at Wenzel Elementary School.
Piper Holdsworth, Anaiz Martinez and Lea Valdez participate in the Big Buddy program at Wenzel Elementary School.

"Thanks to their contribution, high school students are able to mentor elementary students, fostering meaningful relationships and providing essential supplies for engaging activities," Mari Campbell, high school guidance counselor and coordinator of the program, said in an email.

"The Big Buddy program pairs high school students with elementary students in mentor-mentee relationships, with weekly visits to elementary schools. The funding from YAC allows us to purchase craft supplies, science items, and games, enriching the mentorship experience and promoting educational exploration," Campbell said of the $750 grant.

Campbell said the Big Buddy program is in its 10th year, with 125 high school students and 125 elementary students involved.

Brandon Combs, Dalton Tisdel, CJ Smith and Kolton Davenport participate in the Big Buddy program at Wenzel Elementary School.
Brandon Combs, Dalton Tisdel, CJ Smith and Kolton Davenport participate in the Big Buddy program at Wenzel Elementary School.

"Big Buddy is a program designed to foster positive relationships between high school students and elementary students. Through mentorship, it aims to empower younger students by providing them with a reliable support system and role models who demonstrate healthy decision-making skills," she said.

Sturgis High School's Big Buddy program is in its 10th year.
Sturgis High School's Big Buddy program is in its 10th year.

This article originally appeared on Sturgis Journal: Sturgis Youth Advisory Council awards grant to Big Buddy program

Advertisement