CHARLES A. TINDLEY ACCELERATED SCHOOL

Match: Little Brother Kaleb and Big Brother Shawn Krager

Match Date: March 29, 2016

High School: Charles A. Tindley Accelerated

Little Brother Kaleb and Big Brother Shawn Krager have been matched together for 6 years. James will be graduating from Charles A. Tindley Accelerated in the Spring. Come the Fall, Kaleb is attending Central State University studying Accounting.

When reflecting on their time together in the program and how Little Brother Kaleb has grown over the past 6 years Shawn shared, “Our relationship has grown tremendously since our first meeting. We have become extremely comfortable with each other and have certainly become incredibly good friends. I can feel the trust that we have built over the years, which has certainly made our relationship stronger.”

Kaleb and Shawn have done a lot together over the years, memories that stand out for them was when they got to meet DeForest Buckner and was featured on his Instagram story! Also, when Shawn got married! They have made lots of memories together and enjoyed their time with one another being matched.

Shawn has one message that he would like to leave for Kaleb, “Set goals for yourself, focus on those goals, and work hard to accomplish those goals.” The BBBSIC family and Shawn will be rooting for Kaleb as he heads into this next chapter of his life at Central State University.

Good luck, Kaleb!

THE EXCEL CENTER

Match: Little Brother Jeremiah and Big Brother Kevin Harmon

Match Date: August 11, 2020

High School: The Excel Center

Little Brother Jeremiah and Big Brother Kevin Harmon have been matched together for a year. Jeremiah will be graduating from The Excel Center in the Spring. Jeremiah is still considering his plans after graduation.

When reflecting on their time together in the program and how Little Brother Jeremiah has grown over the year which has been a steady growing relationship. They have an exciting time when they are spending time together with one another. They have grown comfortable with their communication over time.

Jeremiah and Kevin enjoyed the times they were able to play basketball with one another. Going against each other in basketball is something that they do the most.

If Kevin could leave him one short message to carry on after school is, “Believe in yourself.” The BBBSCI family and Kevin will be rooting for Jeremiah in his next chapter in life after graduation.

Good luck, Jeremiah!

HERRON HIGH SCHOOL

Match: Little Brother Sam and Big Brother Zach Rodenbarger

Match Date: May 30, 2014

High School: Herron High School

Little Brother Sam and Big Brother Zach Rodenbarger have been matched together for 8 years. James will be graduating from Herron High School in the Spring. Come the Fall, Sam is considering attending Ivy Tech to study Welding.

When reflecting on their time together in the program and how Little Brother James has grown over the past 8 years Zach shared, “We first met when Sam was in the 5th grade and now, he is graduating high school. We have learned so much about each other, we can challenge each other to improve, and can see through the excuses when given. We have even worked side by side on landscaping, painting, and building a garage. Our relationship has developed into a friendship that we hot to continue throughout our lives.”

Sam and Zach have done a lot together over the years, but one memory that is a favorite for them both is when they went and chopped wood in the winter. They have many memories including walking around Eagle Creek for relaxation and to talk about life. They have both genuinely enjoyed those moments with one another.

Zach has one message that he would like to leave for Sam, "On the path to achieving what you want, effort counts twice. In the book Grit, Angela lays out the formula: talent x effort = skill; skill x effort= achievement. Put in the effort and you will see the success.” The BBBSCI family and Zach will be rooting for Sam as he heads into this next chapter of his life.

Good luck, Sam!

VICTORY COLLEGE PREP

Match: Little Sister Mariah and Big Sister Valory Myers  

Match Date: June 2, 2017   

High School: Herron High School 

Little Sister Mariah and Big Sister Valory Myers have been matched together for 5 years. Mariah will be graduating from Herron High School in the Spring. Come this Fall, Mariah plans to attend Ivy Tech to further her education.  Mariah is also the scholarship recipient InAct Big Futures Scholarship and Ivy Tech Foundation. 

When reflecting on their time together in the program and how Little Sister Mariah has grown over the years Valory shared, “When meeting Mariah she was shy, reserved, and hesitant to share too much. Our relationship has become much more open and trusting, and Mariah is now confident to share about her life such as her hopes, fears, disappointments, what she’s excited about and her curiosity.” 

Mariah and Valory have done a lot together during their time together, but one memory that stands out for the both was attending the SMART 6-week program. They were able to show their creativity in an art exhibit and was proud of their work at the end of the program. Another special memory was when Mariah stepped up as a leader in the V.O.I.C.E. program going from shy to becoming a role model unafraid to take the first step and trying something new.  

Valory has one message that she would like to leave for Mariah, “Keep on pushing yourself to be the best you possible. You can achieve your dreams if you work hard, ask for help, persevere despite obstacles, and stay curious and open-minded. You have so many gifts to make a difference in the world, and can’t wait to see your impact, and continue to be a partner in your journey, as you are in mine.” The BBBSCI family and Valory will be rooting for Mariah as she heads into this next chapter of her life at Ivy Tech. 

Good Luck, Mariah! 

HOOSIER ACADEMY

Match: Little Sister Kesha and Big Sister Christine Zbonack

Match Date: 5/20/2019

High School: Hoosier Academy

Little Sister Kesha and Big Sister Christine Zbonack have been matched together for 3 years. Kesha will be graduating from Hoosier Academy in the Spring. Kesha is still considering her plans after graduation.

When reflecting on their time together in the program and how Little Sister Kesha has grown over the years Christine shared, "Our relationship has grown into a sisterhood. I have seen her prosper from a teenager into a young woman and it has been one of the greatest joys of my life. She successfully interviewed and got hired at her first job, she has been the primary caregiver and ultimate support for multiple pets in her home, she is tried new adventures with me all over the city, and she has gone through high school and show cased the high personal goals she has for herself and her extremely dedicated work ethic. She has truly come into her own and shows so much strength in her path.”

Kesha and Christine have done a lot together over the years memories that stand out for this match is when Kesha started proactively applying for jobs, interviewing, getting the job and becoming a team lead for her shift. She overcame her fears of public speaking and shyness by applying herself.

Christine has one message that she would like to leave for Kesha, “Kesha, continue to face every challenge head on and know that you have any army of people behind you who love and support you and want nothing but success in your future. You are amazing in so many ways, so although life moves quickly, know that you can achieve anything you set your mind to, and I will always be here to help you along the way. Love you always!” The BBBSIC family and Christine will be rooting for Kesha in her next chapter of life after high school.

Good luck, Kesha!

INDIANAPOLIS METROPOLITAN HIGH SCHOOL

Match: Little Sister Aniya and Big Sister Nina Nugent 

Match Date: February 3, 2015

High School: Indianapolis Metropolitan High School 

Little Sister Aniya and Big Sister Nina Nugent have been matched together for 7 years. Aniya will be graduating from Indianapolis Metropolitan High School in the Spring. Aniya is still considering her plans after graduation. 

This match has enjoyed the past 7 years together. They have a fun time with one another doing fun activities and spending time with one another building a relationship. They have enjoyed outings with one another such as visiting Ruoff holiday/Christmas lights, going out to eat, hiking, etc. They have built a supportive relationship with one another and enjoy hanging out with each other. 

The BBBSCI family and Nina will be rooting for Aniya as she starts her next chapter after graduation. 

Good luck, Aniya! 

PHALEN LEADERSHIP ACADEMY

Match: Little Sister Anayia and Big Sister Roshni Patel

Match Date: February 18, 2015

High School: Phalen Leadership Academy 

Little Sister Anayia and Big Sister Roshni Patel have been matched together for 7 years. Anayia will be graduating from Phalen Leadership Academy in the Spring. Anayia is still considering her plans after graduation.  
 
When reflecting on their time together in the program and how Little Sister Anayia and Big Sister Roshni shared their time Mentor Relationship Team Leader Tracy Armstrong shared, “This match has enjoyed each other over the years. Anayia liked making lotion and soaps with Roshni. She also enjoyed learning about Roshni and her upbringing and customs.  Roshni enjoyed doing arts & crafts with Anayia. They made some stethoscopes together; painted pottery and they made some homemade soaps and lotions. They helped at a cat sanctuary and they both liked going ice skating. Roshni was in med school while she was a big sister.” 
 
The BBBSCI family and Roshni will be rooting for Anayia in her next chapter of life after graduation.  
 
Good luck, Anayia!  
 

PURDUE POLYTECHNIC HIGH SCHOOL

Match: Little Sister Meia and Big Sister Mariah Martin

Match Date: August 8, 2019

High School: Purdue Polytechnic High School

Little Sister Meia and Big Sister Mariah Marting have been matched together for 2 years. Meia will be graduating from Purdue Polytechnic High School in the Spring. Come the Fall Meia is planning to attend Empire Beauty School.

When reflecting on their time together in the program and how Little Sister Meia has grown over the past 2 and a half years Mariah shared, “Our relationship has blossomed to meaningful conversations where I feel like I learn more from her than she does from me.” 

Meia and Mariah have a lot of memories over the past 2 years one that both of them enjoyed was Holiday Service Project with Pack Away Hunger. They both were able to volunteer and help pack nutritious meals that were distributed to local food banks and to international communities where children are suffering from malnutrition. In addition to the most memorable match moment Mei and Mariah enjoyed some of BBBSCI agency sponsored match events.  

Mariah has one message that she would like to leave for Meia, “Never forget who you are and where you are going. Always aim high, work hard, make no excuses, and care deeply about what you believe in. Life will knock you down, get right back up and never waver who you are and never listen to anyone who says you cannot or should not go on.” The BBBSCI family and Mariah will be rooting for Meia as she heads into this next chapter of her life at Empire Beauty School.  

Good luck, Meia! 

VICTORY COLLEGE PREP

Match: Little Sister Alexandria and Big Sister Sarah Pelto

Match Date: June 27,2018

High School: Victory College Prep

Little Sister Alexandria and Big Sister Sarah Pelto have been matched together for 3 years. Alexandria will be graduating from Victory College Prep in the Spring. Come the Fall, Alexandria is planning to attend Ball State University to study Art Education. Alexandria is also the scholarship recipient for the Clark/Hein Scholarship Fund.

When reflecting on their time together in the program and how Little Sister Alexandria has grown over the past 3 years Sarah shared, "Alex and I have grown so much while matched. I met her when she was a young teen transitioning from a private school to a public school, then the pandemic hit, and shortly after that experienced a house fire. Despite all these up-hill battles over the years, Alex showed strength and resilience making time to laugh with me through some of the most undoubtedly hard times of her life. She inspires me everyday to be more like her!”

Alexandria and Sarah have a lot of memories over the past 3 years they have both enjoyed attending the Taylor Swift concert. Sarah remembers giving Alex a Christmas gift of a photo album displaying all the times that they have shared together. They have also done things such as hiking to being in the Pride Parade. In addition to these match memories Alexandria and Sarah have enjoyed some of BBBSCI agency sponsored match events.

Sarah has one message that she would like to leave for Alexandria, “Alex, you have all the right tools and mindset to be successful at life. All you must do is keep moving forward and I know you will be blessed.” The BBBSCI family and Sarah will be rooting for Alexandria as she heads into this next chapter of her life at Ball State University.

Good luck, Alexandria!

VICTORY COLLEGE PREP

Match: Little Sister Olivia and Big Sister Staci Wilson 

Match Date: September 28, 2016  

High School: Herron High School  

Little Sister Olivia and Big Sister Staci Wilson have been matched together for 5 years. Olivia will be graduating from Herron High School in the Spring. Olivia is still considering her plans after graduation.  

When reflecting on their time together in the program and how Little Sister Olivia has grown over the past 5 years Staci shared, “When I first met Olivia, she was a little reserved and over the past five+ years, we have created a bond where she can feel comfortable sharing with me about her honest opinions and thoughts.”  

Olivia and Staci have done a lot together over the years memories that stand out for them both is taking photos with the dolphins at the Zoo, arts/crafts, Olivia, and her family attending Staci’s wedding! Also, their canoeing trip which was Olivia’s first time. In addition to these special memories Olivia and Staci have enjoyed many of the BBBSCI agency sponsored match events and other outings. 

Staci has one message that she would like to leave for Olivia, “Be true to yourself! I am happy to be your cheerleader as you enter into this next phase of life.” The BBBSCI family and Staci will be rooting for Olivia as she heads into this next chapter of her life.  

Good luck, Olivia!