Real Big Stories
BBBSOK Celebrates Impact of Outstanding Volunteers
"When I joined Big Brothers Big Sisters I knew that I could not save our entire community of youth, but maybe I could save one," said Big Brother and educator Keith Calligan. Keith was chosen as the BBBSOK 2009 Big Brother of the Year for his outstanding commitment to mentor Little Brother Kavan. His match to Kavan began in 2005 when he moved to Bartlesville and decided to return to the teaching profession. He is currently a teacher at Oak Park School. He soon saw that the goals of Big Brothers Big Sisters complemented his goals as an educator: to help children reach their potential through professionally supported one-to-one relationships.
The two have many similar interests such as their love for history and museums. At the beginning of their friendship, Keith and Kavan visited local museums, restaurants, and enjoyed many other recreational activities. According to Keith, however, the most important thing was not the places that they visited, but discussions that they have had. "I have grown a lot as a father by meeting Kavan," said Keith. "Kavan knows that I will always be there for him even after he goes off to college and starts his own career. He knows that he will always have a listening ear from me when he picks up the phone and calls."
BBBSOK is also celebrating the mentorship of outstanding Big Sisters. "Like most professionals, I have to prioritize how best I can spend my time; for me it was important that I find a way to make a difference and to provide lasting enrichment to my community. I found that in BBBS. Being a Big has taught me an important life lesson-the power of presence," said Big Sister and Oklahoma City Phillips McFall Attorney Byrona Maule. Byrona is the BBBSOK choice for the 2009 Big Sister of the Year, honored for her commitment to Little Sister McKenzie. They were matched almost six years ago and are still friends today.
While having Byrona there for encouragement and support, McKenzie has improved in school, developed confidence in herself, and respect for others. These are just some of the reasons McKenzie's mother enrolled her in the Big Brothers Big Sisters program. Byrona's example to McKenzie has encouraged her to not only finish high school but attend college. In fact, when McKenzie revealed her goal to become a realtor, Byrona planned a visit with an actual realtor to talk with McKenzie. This proved to McKenzie that her goals are definitely obtainable.
The Oklahoma Bigs of the Year are not only being honored statewide, but profiles for both Big Brother Keith and Big Sister Byrona have been submitted to the national BBBS office to be considered for this year's National Big of the Year titles. Hopefully they can also be recognized nationally. BBBSOK thrives on the commitment of Bigs who want to change the way children grow up in Oklahoma and help them to reach their potential.