Volunteer Recognition
Our programs would not be successful without the tremendous dedication of our volunteers. Whether at our annual Volunteer Appreciation Night, being recognized as a Mentor of the Month, or getting a simple word of encouragement, we strive to acknowledge all the hard work our mentors put into making our program great.
Mentor of the Month
Jennie Seibert- April 2019
Jennie and Zechariah were matched in April 2017 and became quick friends. Zechariah struggled to make friends at his school and was excited to have someone to spend time with and go explore new activities together. The pair has had some great outings, including going to museums, checking out air shows, and frequently attending BEST Kids' Peer Group. Jennie has also been teaching Zechariah how to ride a bike and play pool (which is one of his goals). Zechariah has trouble committing things to long term memory, so Jennie has had to be persistent in teaching him different skills, common courtesies and reminding him how to follow through on things. As their relationship grew, Jennie gradually became part of Zechariah's family and was invited to attend his adoption ceremony. Surrounded by his family members, Jennie and everyone else stood up at the hearing and shared something they admired about Zechariah. Everyone was elated, including the judge, who gave Zechariah an opportunity to wear her judge's robe and sit on the judge seat to see the courtroom from her perspective. As his mentor, Jennie has been able to be a consistent and loving support to Zechariah, working with him through life's challenges but celebrating with him in the victories, too.
1. What’s your fondest memory from spending time with your mentee?
The memory I will most certainly never forget is the day Zechariah got adopted. When it was all over, he asked the judge if he could scream because he was so excited and everyone was in tears because of how incredible that moment was.
2. What has been your favorite Peer Group?
I really enjoyed rock climbing (and I think Zechariah liked it, too!). What I like the most about it was that it was the first of many firsts with me and Zechariah where he was challenged to do something that he was somewhat afraid of (heights!!). Of course, it was incredible to watch him conquer that fear and try several times before reaching the top, but it was also so special to me because he wanted me to climb up alongside him on the other rope the whole time. When he does things that he's proud of himself for, he always looks over at me to see if I'm proud of him, too, and that's an incredible feeling.
3. What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced since becoming your mentee’s mentor?
One of the biggest challenges has been getting him to really open up about what he thinks and how he feels. Every once in a while he surprises me and tells me something that gives me a glimpse of what's going on inside his head, but it always is a challenge to get him to feel comfortable enough to do that.
4. Can you explain your job and something you enjoy about your work?
I'm a helicopter pilot for the US Air Force. There are so many things about a job like this one that makes every day feel like it isn't work, but lately I've been very blessed to work on some recruiting for the Air Force and have really enjoyed meeting young girls in particular who see me as proof that they can accomplish whatever they put their minds to no matter what their gender is.
5. What do you like to do in your free time, and what's your favorite food?
I love to play sand and indoor volleyball, learn foreign languages, travel, and hang out with my friends. And I love pizza!
Jennie and Zechariah were matched in April 2017 and became quick friends. Zechariah struggled to make friends at his school and was excited to have someone to spend time with and go explore new activities together. The pair has had some great outings, including going to museums, checking out air shows, and frequently attending BEST Kids' Peer Group. Jennie has also been teaching Zechariah how to ride a bike and play pool (which is one of his goals). Zechariah has trouble committing things to long term memory, so Jennie has had to be persistent in teaching him different skills, common courtesies and reminding him how to follow through on things. As their relationship grew, Jennie gradually became part of Zechariah's family and was invited to attend his adoption ceremony. Surrounded by his family members, Jennie and everyone else stood up at the hearing and shared something they admired about Zechariah. Everyone was elated, including the judge, who gave Zechariah an opportunity to wear her judge's robe and sit on the judge seat to see the courtroom from her perspective. As his mentor, Jennie has been able to be a consistent and loving support to Zechariah, working with him through life's challenges but celebrating with him in the victories, too.
1. What’s your fondest memory from spending time with your mentee?
The memory I will most certainly never forget is the day Zechariah got adopted. When it was all over, he asked the judge if he could scream because he was so excited and everyone was in tears because of how incredible that moment was.
2. What has been your favorite Peer Group?
I really enjoyed rock climbing (and I think Zechariah liked it, too!). What I like the most about it was that it was the first of many firsts with me and Zechariah where he was challenged to do something that he was somewhat afraid of (heights!!). Of course, it was incredible to watch him conquer that fear and try several times before reaching the top, but it was also so special to me because he wanted me to climb up alongside him on the other rope the whole time. When he does things that he's proud of himself for, he always looks over at me to see if I'm proud of him, too, and that's an incredible feeling.
3. What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced since becoming your mentee’s mentor?
One of the biggest challenges has been getting him to really open up about what he thinks and how he feels. Every once in a while he surprises me and tells me something that gives me a glimpse of what's going on inside his head, but it always is a challenge to get him to feel comfortable enough to do that.
4. Can you explain your job and something you enjoy about your work?
I'm a helicopter pilot for the US Air Force. There are so many things about a job like this one that makes every day feel like it isn't work, but lately I've been very blessed to work on some recruiting for the Air Force and have really enjoyed meeting young girls in particular who see me as proof that they can accomplish whatever they put their minds to no matter what their gender is.
5. What do you like to do in your free time, and what's your favorite food?
I love to play sand and indoor volleyball, learn foreign languages, travel, and hang out with my friends. And I love pizza!
Current Mentor of the Month
Jennie Seibert- April 2019
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Past Mentors of the Month |
2018 BESTie Awards
Mentor of the Year
Jeff Rubin
Rookie the Year
Andrea Cilliers
Most Mentoring Hours
Lauren Gilbertson
Longest Mentoring Match
Gail McCann
Educational Strides Award
Chris Perry
Life Skills Strides Award
Daina Eglitis
Caregiver Connection Award
Erin Powell
Go For the Goal Award
Jason Guffey
Best Reporter
Roxi ReevesBEST Kids Supporter
Jason Loewith
Advocacy Award
Deirdre Donahue
Most Consistent
Kathryn Gillon
Catherine Redfield
Socialization Strides Award
Jerry Casselano
Most Creative Outings
Julia Zur
Most Persistent
Brett Loyd
Barbara Fallon
Most Resilient
Vince Lampone2017 BEST Kids Awards Recipients
Volunteer Appreciation Night
Every January, BEST Kids hosts a mentor recognition event. Mentors are presented with awards and honored for their service in the program from the past year by receiving a BESTie Award. Scroll through the photos of the most previous Volunteer Appreciation Night, celebrating all the great things that happened in 2018!
