It was a big week for the Big Sister community with two awards given to those involved with our programs. Congratulations are in order for Big Sister Shannon Robinson and Little Sister Staci!
On May 19, Big Sister Shannon Robinson was honored at the State House by the Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women. She was one of 100 “Unsung
Heroines” from across the Commonwealth who were recognized because “they don’t make the news, they make the difference.” Shannon, a Dorchester resident, has been matched with her Little Sister Miranda, 15, from Mattapan, for more than seven years. As a current Big Sister of the Year, Shannon truly embodies our mission and believes that being a mentor provides the opportunity for a woman to help a girl become a positive, productive member of society. Her commitment to Big Sister does not end with her dedication to her Little Sister. Shannon is also a member of our Diversity Council and Alumnae Association, in which she engages other women as Big Sisters, particularly women of color to better reflect the diversity of the girls we serve.
On May 20, Little Sister Staci, 17, who currently lives in Rockland, was the first-ever recipient of the James G. Connolly Scholarship from Mass Mentoring 
Partnership. The scholarship was awarded to Staci at Mass Mentoring’s annual Champions of Mentoring breakfast which took place at Fenway Park. Staci’s Big Sister, April Cook, nominated her Little Sister for the scholarship. The scholarship Staci received was designated for a mentee who grew up in Connolly’s neighborhood of South Boston, has persevered through adversity, and shows a strong commitment to academic excellence. Staci, who spent most of her childhood in South Boston, has been matched with April since August of 2000. April is a 2008 Big Sister of the Year. This summer, Staci will begin her college career at Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts where she will study English and communications with a concentration in journalism. Staci is the first person in her family to attend college.
