Tammy and Hermani have been matched for almost three years. Tammy is a dedicated “Big” who loves being a mentor. She says she feels as if her “little” is a part of her family. The volunteer always communicates with parent before going on activities, developing a good relationship with the parent. The youth appreciates the volunteer, and all that she has done for her. Hermani has become more social, and participates in the Band…
Coach Matt Parke is the head Men’s Basketball Coach for Averett University. His job is to inspire a team of young men. Every year he encourages the entire team to sign up to be “Bigs”. Coach follows up with the BBBS to make sure that each volunteer visits the school and sees their “little” regularly. In addition, the coach visits his little, Elijah at Forest Hills School. Coach is very adamant about keeping up…
Marie Young has been involved in the In-school Mentoring Program for several years. The volunteer and her youth have been matched for a year. Gretna Elementary office staff has become very familiar with the volunteer. Her little, Jasmin was very excited to have the volunteer as her “Big”. Although the “Little” is young, the volunteer and youth have great communication. When she visits the school, the other students enjoy her presence as well. Jasmin’s…
The Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Danville Area would like to recognize the following for their contributions for this past Christmas Pancake Breakfast. In the top left hand corner, (pictured from left to right) is Marvin Martin, Ed Thomas, Larry Ford and our very own Executive Director, Pat Daniel. These members of Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity contributed a bike for our raffle. In the top right hand corner is Nicole Tyler form the…
Brian Foster definitely has a heart for children. He wants to help them be the best that they can be. The volunteer loves the outdoors and all kinds of sports. i.e. racing, hunting, and riding dirt bikes. His “little” loves all of the same things. They have lots of fun. His “little”, Christopher Barrett, always wanted a “Big Brother”. Brian certainly fills that bill. They both share common interests. The volunteer attends the child’s…
Lisa Marie DiLuigi is a Volunteer Counselor, Trained Nurse, and Market Director at Legacy Hospice of the Piedmont & Hospice of the Danville Regional Medical Center. Lisa Marie has a master’s degree in vocal performance from Florida State University and she can sing anything from pop to opera. Her talents for doing such are amply represented by the three songs that she sings on “Songs of Love and Joy.” Lisa Marie is a kind…
Tijuana Harris is a wonderful woman who allows her intelligence to be useful. She works as an Information Technology Specialist at the Danville Institute for Advanced Learning and Research. She assists youth with school performances. She focuses on assisting youth in areas she struggles in by going to the library for tutoring. Tijuana is very active in activities with the youth. The youth, Quinasia Hairston, has improved in school performance as well as self-confidence….
Cheryl Warren is a volunteer who assists youth in school performance with tutoring. She also visits school with parent; establishing key needed assistance for the youth. The mentor and youth enjoy activities together. The youth’s self-esteem has increased and she is making healthier food choices. Cheryl states that the youth has become very mannerable. O’Niya Miller always says “Thank you”. She enjoys the relationship with her Big sister. She has improved in her school…
Charles “Sandy” Clarke is an outstanding individual. From the first day of volunteering, he took this match seriously. He consistently meets with his “little” on a regular basis. The volunteer plans the most exciting activities-Tank Museum, Lynchburg Ball Games, fishing trips, hiking, and race car trips to Charlotte. Charles has been matched with his “little”, Aveary Brumfield, for over three years. The child is an avid outdoorsman and sportsman. He enjoys every outing and…
Jacqueline Adams has been dedicated to her “little”, A’nya Jennings, since 2011. This Big Sister of the month for April is always prompt and prepared for outings with her little. She tries her best to provide what is best for the child. Whenever the two go out they always have a great time. During her time of being a “Big”, the little has learned the responsibility of checking out books from library and returning…
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Danville Area provides one-to-one mentoring for children in Danville and Pittsylvania County, serving over 300 children annually.
The 2025 Scripps Regional Spelling Bee was held Saturday, March 15, 2025 at 3:00pm at Averett University's Blount Chapel. Dr. Marc Muneal acted as a pronouncer. The three judges were Dr. Jennifer Hughes, Eben Leigh and Tia Yancey.
Twelve students competed in the Bee from the city of Danville and Pittsylvania County Public Schools. There was one student from Sacred Heart School. The Bee went on for seven rounds with Layla Barrett from Chatham Middle School, emerging as the winner. The winning word was "stupa."
For more information about the 2025 Scripps Regional Spelling Bee, please call the sponsor, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Danville Area at 434-773-8394.
J. Hoffman, J. Word, M. Beasley (Board Chair), S Wingate, E. A. Woody, E. White, J. Menefee, and M. Mondul attended a Board of Directors meeting for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Danville Area. The meeting was held at Caesar's Virginia on Tuesday, March 11, 2025.
BBBS Capitol Hill Day took place in Washington DC on Feb 26. The training sessions focused on Senate and Congressional Presentations. The trip ended with visits to Senators Kaine and Warner's offices and Congresspersons John McGuire, Jennifer McClellan, and Ben Cline.
Pictured: Ellie Martinez, Sandra Erickson, Pat Daniel, Melvena Beasley, and Gary Terry
