Harry and Aaron have been matched for seven years in March. When they met, the volunteer had retired from the Danville Public Schools. He had been employed by the District for more than thirty years as a Varsity High School coach for boys’ basketball. The coach had winning state tiles and many boys to join the NBA. The main thing is that he had a genuine love and concern for children. He is one of the beloved figures of this community. Coach Johnson wanted to continue his relationship with BBBS beyond previously serving on the board years ago. The next step was for him to have a little. The agency was able find a little boy who was struggling academically and with his behavior. The youth had a poor relationship with his family, especially his mother.
Seven years ago, Harry met Aaron who at the time was eleven. When they met, the little had a lot of anger issues that landed him in the District’s school that dealt with behavior issues. Aaron did not have interest in improving his grades. In addition, the youth could not get along with his mom and was very disrespectful.
As the match progressed, the agency saw changes in his behavior and grades. The youth returned to the regular classroom and got on graduation track for college. The little’s grades improved to the point that he became an Honor Roll student, and remained that way until he graduated. The youth had an interest in playing sports. Coach Johnson gave him this piece of advice: It is good to excel at sports, but get an education first. This is something that you will be able to fall back on. Plus, Coach told him to take his aggression out on the playing field. So, Aaron did just that. He became a team player who showed more confidence and a better attitude at home, on team, and in the classroom.
Last year, Aaron applied and was accepted with full academic scholarships at two different colleges and universities. He is a freshman at Old Dominion University, majoring in engineering. The youth is doing well in his classes. When he is at home, the little visits with his mentor. Coach now suffers “dementia.” The tables have turned, and the little picks his BIG up and takes out for ice cream. Aaron has taught his sibling how to give back too. So he visits the Coach too to ask for advice.
