Radi honored as Big Sister of the Year

by Dennis Dalman

editor@thenewsleaders.com

A Sartell High School student, Karen Radi, has been honored as the 2017 Big Sister of the Year in central Minnesota by the Big Brothers Big Sisters organization.

Radi was selected for the honor for her role in the organization’s mentoring program.

She has been a “match” with her Little Sister, Dakota, for more than two years.

“Karen has been a kind, calm and consistent presence in Dakota’s life,” stated the award citation. “Since being matched with Big Sister Karen, Little Sister Dakota has grown her confidence and social skills.”

Motivated to join Big Brothers Big Sisters by her belief that every child should have a person they look up to and talk to, Radi wanted to be there for someone like her older sisters had been there for her.

Karen and Dakota enjoy doing arts and crafts and made a scrapbook highlighting their many memories together. Radi has attended some of Dakota’s school music concerts, written Dakota encouraging notes and given her small gifts for special occasions.

In addition to her role as an exemplary mentor to her Little Sister, the organization noted Radi has been thoughtful and intentional about how to continue her match with Dakota, even though she’s graduating from high school this year and moving away for college in the fall. Radi’s creative solution was to recruit her parents, Kelly and Marty Radi, to join her in mentoring and, together, become a Big Family. That way, Radi will still be able to see Dakota when she is home on school breaks, and their special bond will continue to grow. The newly formed match, including Radi, her parent’s and Little Sister Dakota, are all looking forward to going kayaking, playing games and checking out AirMaxx.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Minnesota currently has more than 100 children waiting for a mentor and is currently enrolling both adult and high-school mentors. To learn more about how to become a mentor, call 320-253-1616 or visit www.bbbscentralmn.org.