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RELEASED: Nov. 14, 2002
DANVILLE, KY—Centre junior Jordan Parker doesn't feel like a volunteer when he spends time with 9-year-old Chris. He's just having fun.
But his efforts for Big Brothers/Big Sisters has earned him the title of November Volunteer of the Month.
Libby Suttles, the director of the local Big Brothers/Big Sisters Program, nominated Parker for the award.
"Jordan is an exemplary Big Brother and has played an important role in Chris' life through the powers of friendship and mentoring," Suttles said. "He has provided an opportunity to share everyday activities with a Little Brother who looks up to him and has thrived upon the attention."
"Chris is energetic, funny and loves life," Parker said. "I have a lot of fun with him."
Bowling, skating, movies and laser tag are just a few of the activities Parker and Chris enjoy together.
When asked why he chose BBBS as a volunteer project, Parker said, "I really like little kids. I have a 6-year-old brother and I just like being around them, and this is an opportunity to help out someone in need by being a male figure in his life."
BBBS works closely with parents to match "Littles" with the right "Bigs." Although each potential Big is screened, trained and supervised to help ensure that the relationship will be safe and rewarding for everyone, Parker said that the process is easy and that Susttles did a good job when she paired him with Chris.
Parker is the son of Steve and Kim Parker of Lexington and is a graduate of Tates Creek High School.
For more information about Big Brothers/Big Sisters of America, go to www.bbbsa.org.
The volunteer award program at Centre recognizes some of the many students who provide service to the local community. Each year, around 60 percent of all Centre College students become community volunteers. The college encourages volunteer service with a community service day each year as part of the orientation for first-year students. For more information, contact Trina McFarland, assistant director of student life for service and leadership development, at (859) 238-5479 or e-mail mcfarlnd@centre.edu.
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