Spearman High School senior, Colby Odegaard, has been awarded a scholarship from Big Brothers Big Sisters. He will receive a $325 scholarship from the agency. The scholarships, to be used for books or tuition, are awarded to seniors who volunteered as mentors in the organization’s Bigs in Schools program. Cirzy Gonzales of Perryton and Brittney Hennigh of Booker were the other recipients this year.

Odegaard was matched with his Little Brother, Gabriel, in November 2007; he had previously served as a mentor to another student for a year. He and his Little Brother met weekly at Spearman Elementary and enjoyed playing with play-do and board games.

Gabriel, a first grader, likes it when the match makes up their own rules to games, “It is more fun and I really like that.” His favorite part of the match is when Odegaard comes to pick him up at his classroom on their meeting day.

At first his Little Brother was shy and quiet, but now he is very talkative. “We talk about his dog, school, his teacher and his family,” Odegaard said. “I thought that my Little telling me about his new baby sister was really special. I know it was special for me when my mom had three other children besides me. I just felt the connection between me and him because we are both older brothers.”

“Gabriel is having a hard time in math so we count in all our games, I like to help him with it,” he added.

“Gabriel really appreciates his time with Colby,” his teacher, Mrs. Nollner, said. “He gets very excited on the day they meet.”

Bigs in Schools matches caring mentors with students who can benefit from individual attention. They meet 30 – 45 minutes once a week during the school day on the school campus and do not have contact outside of school. As a result, students often improve in the areas of self-confidence, attitudes toward school, and relationships with peers and adults.

Over 96 students were matched through the Bigs in Schools program in Spearman, Perryton and Booker this year; seventy-nine high school students served as mentors.

Many elementary and junior high students need mentors for the 08-09 school year. Volunteers are being enrolled now so that matches can begin as soon as possible once school starts. Men are especially needed. Those interested in volunteering may contact Kimberley Lopez, program coordinator, by calling 434-0016.

BBBS May Volunteer of the Month

JJ Rojas has been named May Volunteer of the Month by Big Brothers Big Sisters.

This award recognizes a volunteer mentor, a “Big,” who has connected with his or her Little Brother or Sister in a special way or gone above and beyond to establish and nurture the relationship. It is designed to communicate appreciation for the difference the volunteer is making in the child’s life.

Rojas and his Little Brother, Harley, have been matched since September 2007. They meet together once a week during the school year as part of the Bigs in Schools program at Spearman Junior High School.

Through this school based mentoring program, mentors spend time with a student, usually about thirty minutes, on the school campus during the school day with no contact outside of school. They form an intentional friendship that helps support and encourage the child.

In their time together, Rojas and Harley enjoy playing games and talking. “He is cool,” said Harley of his Big Brother. “We are a lot alike.”

“JJ talks to me about making good choices,” he added. “He tells me about high school and about how important graduating is.”

“One of the unusual things about this match,” Starla Whiteley, Match Support Specialist, said, “is that JJ has never missed a week! He has been a very dedicated volunteer. Harley knows he can always count on his Big being there.”

 Rojas recently graduated from Spearman High School.

Rojas is Harley’s third Big Brother; he was previously matched with Lance Huddleston and Clete Vanderburg. “I have learned a lot from being a Little Brother,” he said. “I can see the person I should try to be.”

Harley is one of over 110 children matched through BBBS’ school and community based programs in Perryton, Spearman and Booker. There are children ready to be matched; adult men are especially needed. Anyone interested in learning more about the program may call Lopez at 434-0016

Bill Carson has been named January Volunteer of the Month by Big Brothers Big Sisters.

This award recognizes a “Big” who has connected with the “Little” in a special way or gone above and beyond to establish and nurture the relationship. It is designed to communicate appreciation for the difference the volunteer is making in the child’s life.

Carson and his Little Brother Kevin have been matched since November 2004. They meet together once a week during the school year as part of the Bigs in Schools program at Williams Intermediate School; Kevin was in first grade when they first met. Through this program, volunteer mentors spend time with a student on the school campus during the school day with no contact outside of school. They form an intentional friendship that helps support and encourage the child.

Carson and his Little Brother read a lot together. "I think he likes to read to me and I think it helps him to read out loud. I enjoy listening to him and I hope he knows that,” Carson said. “I don't want it to be about AR points, but about reading and spending time."

“Bill is cool and patient with me. I like to tell him about stuff and read to him," Kevin said. “He tells me school is good and to learn stuff. It’s fun to be with him. I like him.”

Other activities the match has enjoyed together over the years include building model cars and playing board games.

“The main change I have seen in Kevin,” his third grade teacher commented, “is his self-confidence. After spending time with Mr. Carson he always holds his head a little higher and has a big smile on his face.”

“One of the great advantages Bill has provided Kevin is his consistency in following him through each school year,” Kimberley Lopez, agency case manager, said. “The longer matches meet the more significant lasting results are seen in the students. Obviously, the power of having a positive male role model cannot be underestimated.”

Carson works for North Plains Electric Cooperative. His wife, Leann, serves on the agency’s Advisory Committee and his daughter was a Bigs in Schools mentor in Spearman Elementary while she attended high school. Recently, Carson has also volunteered his help with computers in the BBBS office.

Kevin is one of over 110 children matched through BBBS school and community based programs in Perryton, Spearman and Booker. Anyone interested in learning more about the program may call Lopez at 434-0016.

Walk for Kids’ Sake, the annual fundraiser benefiting Big Brothers Big Sisters, held February 9th, raised nearly $50,000. Pledges collected by 30 teams of walkers combined with sponsorships from over 200 area businesses and organizations.

The money will be used to make and nurture matches in Perryton, Spearman and Booker; this involves recruiting, screening, training and supporting volunteers. The money raised also underwrites match activities and scholarships for high school mentors as well as provides games and other activities for Bigs in Schools matches. The satellite office receives no funds from the national organization or hub agency in Amarillo and all of the money is used to support the local program.

The mission of Big Brothers Big Sisters is to create special friendships between children and caring adult mentors. These relationships, or matches, help children develop positive life skills and social values. The program currently serves over 110 children.

“Every child helped through Big Brothers Big Sisters is helped by a volunteer,” said Kimberley Lopez, local agency case manager. “Of course they are helped through their relationship with their mentors, but without the help of our volunteer fundraisers, the walkers that turn out year after year to support us, not one of the matches would be possible.”

The theme of this year’s event was “Real People. Real Heroes. No tights.” “Our volunteers really are everyday heroes,” Lopez said. “You don’t have to have super powers to help a child. You just have to be there.”

The top four individual money raisers won grand prizes. Frank Rhoden was the top money raiser bringing in $1145. He won a side of beef donated by Jimmy and Sharon Graves and Big 4 Packing. Stacy Tickner won a “Trip to Amarillo” which includes two nights at the Ambassador Inn, dinner at the Olive Garden and movie tickets from UA Amarillo Star Stadium 14. Elvia Rascon was the third place money raiser and won an “Automotive package” - $100 free gas from Imo’s, 10 free car washes from Ranger Car Wash, and an oil change and spring maintenance check up from The Pit Stop. Tracy Hillman was the fourth place money raiser and she won $250 of dry cleaning from Berry Cleaners.

Walkers who raised at least $100 won either a Willow Tree trinket box or wall cross supplied by Taylor’s Old Times Shoppe. They were: Rosalee Bueno, Stormy Ray, Brittany Busch, Glenna Pool, Ashlea Skipper, Trish Carroll, Heather Dumcum, Debora Cowan, Leann Carson, Cheryl Hill, Stacy Tickner, Bobette Doerrie, Pat Ellis, Pam Harvey, Amber Leicht, Roxanne Schaef, Afton Kratky, Delma Tarango, Teresa Brown, Vickie Barby, David Landis, Debbie Beck, Erika Lopez, Peggy Lehman, Nita Carter, Vicky Lilly, Starla Whiteley, Alexis Beck, Macy Holton, Janelle Cochran, Beckie Sampson, Candy Butler, Tracy Hillman, Elvia Rascon, Mary Garza, Rita Tregellas, Kathy Gray, Shelly Merkel, Donna Wright, Frank Rhoden, Esmeralda Vaquera, Valinda Dodson, Susie Estrada, Mona Carrasco, Pam Chisum, Briana Brown, Tanya Garcia and Mabel Mills.

Walkers who raised at least $200 also won a $20 Sonic Card donated by Sonic Drive-In. They were: Leann Carson, Cheryl Hill, Stacy Tickner, Vickie Barby, Peggy Lehman, Nita Carter, Vicky Lilly, Macy Holton, Janelle Cochran, Candy Butler, Tracy Hillman, Elvia Rascon, Frank Rhoden, Pam Chisum and Mabel Mills.

Event sponsors were Courson Oil & Gas and KentKwik Convenience Stores/Waterhole 83. Shift sponsors were Lemon Law Office, Jack and Marguerite Allen, Badger Resources and Wright Trucking/Foster Testing.

Corporate sponsors were United Supermarkets, Texas Farm, Ochiltree General Hospital, Kim Thomas Disposal Company, Samson Resources, Jet Well Service, XCEL Energy, Western Hot Oil Service, Moore County Gin, Willis Boyd Dirt Service, FirstBank Southwest, Windstream Communications, Booker Christian Church, Caprock Supply Co., Drilling Fluids Technology, First State Bank of Spearman, Graves Operating, Hansford Air, Renco Tool Co., Perryton National Bank, Adobe Walls Gin and Graham Brothers Jewelers.

Extra Mile Sponsors were: Brandvik Pipe & Equipment, Booker Lions, First National Bank of Spearman, Hansford County Feeders, Hansford County Vet Hospital, Hi Plains Hull, Interstate Bank, Perryton Rotary Club, PTCI, Pioneer Trucking, and Janet & Rocky Tregellas.

Mile Markers were 2 E’s Lawncare, AGCO of Spearman, Alexander Oil Field Service, Allred Construction, All State Realty, Area Eye Center, Arkhoma Transports, Barenburg & Washer, Barnett Insurance, Batman Grain Fertilizer, Barlett’s Hardware, Beautech, Bob Jay’s of Perryton, Boxwell Brothers, Brown, Graham & Co.-Perryton, Brown, Graham & Co. – Spearman, C & R Petroleum, Cargill, Carson County Gin, Childers/Siewert Clinic, Clark Dirt Contractors, Covenant Title, Current Electric, DeWitt Construction, Duvall Ag Services, Economy Furniture, Enerpipe, Farmers Ag Supply, Farnsworth Seed, Five Star Equipment, Golden Spread Sales Company, Hansford Drug Company, Hansford Implement, Herring Tank, Hometown Realty, Howard Drilling, Innovative, J & S Exchange, Jade Cattle Feeders, Johnson Good Samaritan Funeral Service, Kirk Insurance, Junior Lusby Cat, Jennifer Salon, Johnson Grain, LaMaster Agency, Leicht Farm – Jeff & Tara Leicht, Liquid Control Systems, Luther Fire Extinguishers, Mark Sheets Truck & Automotive, McGarraugh Farms -Kevin & Paula McGarraugh, Midwest Inspection Service, N5 Wireline, North Plain Electric Cooperative, Ochiltree Farm Bureau-Billy Stephens, Orr Enterprises, PatCon, Perryton Aviation Aerial Spraying, Perryton Equity, Perryton Feeders, Perryton Furniture, Dr. James Pinkerton, Preferred Beef Group, Brian Pshigoda Farms, Ranger Pump, Roberson Wireline, Shaner Welding Service, Spearman Lions, Spearman Rotary, Security Insurance, Seybert Construction, Speartex Grain, State Farm Insurance – Aaron Ghanbarpour, Stonecreek Properties, Strat Land Exploration, Sudzy Springs, Terhune Flying Service, Transpetco Transport, Total Wellhead, Trencor, WB Supply, Wheatheart Mini-Warehouses, and Wolf Creek Feeders.

Step-up Sponsors were: Alpar Energy, Basic Energy, Bill’s Pest Control, Cowan & Hooten, Edward Jones Investments, Entech Laboratory System, Hansford County Farm Bureau – Bob Gillespie, Hargues Custom Application, Harvey’s Electric, Hergert Ford, Hixson Hot Oil, Hulsey Insurance, J. Kenny Norris Law Office, Jennie June Club, MGE Resources, Money’s, Motorparts of Perryton, North Plains Insurance, Perryton Herald, Profit Producers, Bill Mac Tregellas – Locksmith, Wheatheart Realty and Waide’s Pharmacy.

Door prizes were donated by Alco (Perryton), Alco (Spearman), Axle Publishing, B & B Sales, Bealls, Blades, Buckets of Fun, Cabana Tans, Caprock Supply Co., Cates, Celebrate, ds Design, Dairy Queen, Dunlavy Jewelry, Edna’s Flowers, Ellis Theater, Expressions, Farm Supply & Service, Dr. Annelle Garcia, Janet K’s Hallmark, Hansford Drug Company, Hi Plains Auto Supply, Hickersons, His Corner Bookstore & Coffee Café, Hungry Cowboy, Jackies, Jessica Lynn Photography, Lifeway Therapies, Mary Kay – Patricia Cano, JoAnn McCoy, Motor Parts, Movie Gallery, New Wave Hair Design, North Plains Electric Cooperative, O’Reilly Auto Parts, 180, Pak-a-Sak, Palace Theater, Peppermill Catering, Perryton Chamber of Commerce, Perryton Cleaners, Perryton Club, Perryton Office Supply/Radio Shack, Pizza Hut of Spearman, Rib Joint, Sammy’s Beauty Shop, Wall’s Bargain Center, Silpada Designs-Teresa Schwier, United Supermarket, Urban Stylez, Valero, Wonderland Park and Zulu Art Academy.

A raffle was held in conjunction with the event. The prize was five days and four nights at the Riviera Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas. The prize was donated by KXDJ Radio. The raffle raised $1630 for the event. The drawing for the winner will be held on air on February 13th.

Walkers received T-shirts printed by sponsor, dsDesign, featuring a design by Scott Trotter of Vector Studio.

The walkers also enjoyed food and beverages during their shifts. The food court was supplied by Pizza Hut (Perryton), Subway, Carroll Trucking, The Little Bakery, Daylight Donuts, Booker Grocery, and Lowe’s Supermarkets (Perryton and Spearman). Music and entertainment were provided by Terry Peak and Brad Herring.

In-kind contributions were made by Perryton Printing, Perryton Chamber of Commerce, Taylor Foster, and Perryton ISD.

Anyone interested in learning more about the BBBS program is encouraged to call 434-0016.