Legislator Cornell Leads Big Brothers Big Sisters Graduation Celebrating Eight Youths And Their Volunteer Mentors  

Program Makes A Positive Difference In The Lives Of Children & Teens

New City, NY (June 18, 2021) – The Rockland County Legislature hosted this year’s graduation ceremony for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Rockland County, honoring eight mentees and their volunteer mentors for their accomplishments.

“Big Brothers Big Sisters makes a positive difference in the lives of children and youth,” Legislator Harriet Cornell said. “The adult mentors deserve great thanks for their devotion to the program and to the children they mentor over a long period of time, during the child’s formative years. The mentees are to be praised as well for their participation in the program and for valuing all they learn from their mentor that enables them to enter adulthood with strength, confidence and resilience.”

Among those joining Legislator Cornell, the Legislature’s liaison to the organization, for the virtual graduation ceremony were Legislature Chairman Alden H. Wolfe and Big Brothers Big Sisters’ President & CEO Gillian Ballard, Board of Directors Chairwoman Jennifer Sislin and Board members Robert Barilli, Jim Lugo and Keith Brown together with Judie the agency’s monitor for child safety.

This year’s honorees:

  • Little Sister Daphkar Albert Ducasse and Big Sister Susan Armenio, matched for six years.
  • Little Brother Shawn DeRonde and Big Brother Michael Barr, matched for seven years.
  • Little Brother Daniel Gutierrez and Big Sister Ellen Block-Stone & Big Brother Steven Stone, matched for eight years.
  • Little Sister Nicole Pena and Big Sister Janelle Colon, matched for six years.
  • Little Sister Clayanna Jarrett and Big Sister Ashley Leveille, matched two years.
  • Little Sister Julianne Pelcak and Big Sister Kaitlyn Montera, matched five years.
  • Little Brother Anthony James and Big Brother Keith Wallenstein, matched six years.
  • Little Sister Aniayah Gibbs and Big Sister Paula Williams, matched three years.

Big Brothers Big Sisters is a one-to-one relationship program that allows children to build trusting friendships, engage in meaningful conversations and activities, and to realize their self-worth and potential – all with the help of their adult mentors, who act as positive role models.

Youth who participate in the mentoring program do better in school and in their relationships with family and friends and are less likely to use illegal drugs or alcohol, according to a study by Public/Private Ventures, a Philadelphia-based national research organization.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Rockland County pairs a volunteer mentor with a youth between the ages of 7 and 18 who is facing adversity. The Bigs & Littles share simple low-cost or no-cost outings allowing them time to get to know each other and to converse.

Part of the program’s success lies with the parents of the mentees, who support their child’s participation in the program so their youth may flourish.

Due to the virtual nature of this year’s graduation, statements about each Little & Big, solicited from them and including a favorite memory they shared, were read by BBBS Program Supervisor Sarah Arras, and BBBS Match Coordinator Anne Nissen. Here’s a summary:

Daphkar Albert Ducasse heads to SUNY Buffalo in the fall, where she plans to major in neuroscience and behavior. She hopes to eventually become a psychiatrist. Her favorite memory with her Big Sister was when they spent time in the pool relaxing and later watching movies.

Big Sister Susan Armenio said one favorite memory was the night they went to the Cheesecake Factory to celebrate Daphkar’s new job. She also offered encouraging words to her Little Sister: “You are a bright light in this world, and a bright light in my life.  Have strong opinions, but always be able to explain both sides of an argument, and never be afraid to change your mind. ‘Be a voice, not an echo.’ You are strong, intelligent, kind, and hilarious! Most of all, you are loved. My life would be less without you and we will be in each other’s lives forever.”

Shawn DeRonde heads to the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park. Shawn said his Big Brother is always supportive of him, gives him good advice and is like a father to him.

Big Brother Michael Barr said his favorite memory was when they visited the Jersey Shore for a daytrip, Shawn’s first exposure to the ocean and the beach. He also wants Shawn to always remember that his success began with his mother’s love and his family’s support, and that his education and accomplishments will uplift his entire family.

Little Brother Daniel Gutierrez and Big Sister Ellen Block-Stone & Big Brother Steven Stone were together since Daniel was 8-years-old. Daniel’s favorite memories include going to Mt. Fuji, meeting his Big’s family and eating Thanksgiving dinner at their home.

Little Sister Nicole Pena will attend the Nursing program at Rockland Community College in the fall. She has great memories with her Big Sister, including when they went snow tubing, and she considers her Big Sister to be a true and forever sister.

Big Sister Janelle Colon was once a Little Sister herself and has many fond memories of her time with Little Sister Nicole, including when they handed out 30 Starbucks gift cards as acts of kindness on what would have been the 30th birthday of Janelle’s friend, Colby. She also offered encouraging words: “Keep reaching for the stars, always remember you’re worth it; keep striving to be a wonderful human being and never settle for less!”

Little Sister Clayanna Jarrett will attend the Nursing program at Rockland Community College in the fall. Clayanna and her Big Sister Ashley Leveille were paired during Clayanna’s later high school years, but they still developed a close relationship and hope their friendship continues.

Little Sister Julianne Pelcak is also headed to Rockland Community College in the fall. Her favorite memories with her Big Sister include walking around Congers Lake and going out to eat.

Big Sister Kaitlyn Montera decided to become a Big after she saw how much her cousin enjoyed being a Big Sister. Her favorite memories with her Little Sister include going out to eat and being able to talk about anything. She wants Julianne to know that she can be the best she can be and should always push for her goals.

Little Brother Anthony James will attend Rockland Community College in the fall and hopes to eventually work in TV production. Anthony’s favorite memories with his Big include enjoying lunch, fishing, and visiting the park. “There’s no word that can describe how much Keith has done for me. I don’t think just ‘thanks’ can be enough. He has helped me grow from being a shy and reserved boy into a young man that is able to think for himself, not follow others. He gave me self-confidence.”

Big Brother Keith Wallenstein enjoyed sailing on the Hudson River with Anthony and a fellow Big Brother, made possible by a former Little Brother who wanted to give back to the program. Keith said he had never considered the impact his Little would have on him and that he is forever grateful to Anthony. “Anthony, it has been an honor and privilege to be your Big Brother. I am so proud of the young man you have become, and I know your future is bright…The path you desire is in your hands and you will do great things. I am here by your side and will forever be your Big Brother.”

Little Sister Aniayah Gibbs will attend SUNY Plattsburgh, where she will study English Language Arts, then switch her major so she can learn how to teach English to youth. Her favorite memory with her Big Sister was when they watched a movie after attending a college fair because it was relaxing, and they had a good conversation.

Big Sister Paula Williams became a Big because her daughter was away at college and she found herself an empty nester. One stand-out memory was when they went to the Challenger Learning Center and she was amazed at how deftly her Little was able to get through all the materials. To her Little, she said: “As you venture into this next phase, keep your head held high, speak from the pit of your stomach, and let your voice be heard. College will come with challenges but know that with determination you can conquer the challenges. Continue to enjoy the arts. Keep striving for greatness – as I know you can! Remember to let happiness outshine sadness. Always put God first and have faith in all you do. You have the ability to shine and make great things happen.”

For more information about the Big Brothers Big Sisters program, please visit https://www.bbbsofrc.com/ or call (845) 634-2199.