The Wyoming Big Brothers Big Sisters Association has selected University of Wyoming students Annie Levine of Lyman and Daniel Cooper of Laramie as "Bigs of the Year" for the state of Wyoming.
Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) is a mentoring agency that pairs children with adults in one-to-one friendships for a mutual benefit. Levine and Cooper were nominated by BBBS staff and selected by the statewide association based on testimonials by the parents of the children as well as the children themselves.
Both Levine, a senior in elementary education, and Cooper, a senior in communication, received glowing reviews. In an essay by the parent of 12-year-old Malorie, Annie was described as "the most positive non-family member influence in Malorie's life."
Cooper's match, Michael, said in his essay, "He makes me feel like his real little brother . like I'm the only one on Earth."
The pairs meet once a week for a few hours. Levine and Cooper have tried to integrate their UW experiences into their matches. Sporting events, student activities and resources around the UW campus have been great ways to spend their afternoons as well as show their "littles" the importance of education.
"Working with Big Brothers Big Sisters has brought a positive change in my life," Cooper said, "Giving some time to a young person has given me a much fuller, happier life. I highly recommend it to all."
For more information on Big Brothers Big Sisters, contact Michael McNamee, Outreach Coordinator, at (307) 742-2227 or visit www.bbbs.org.
