(Editor’s note: The Newsleaders would like to thank Leah Rado for providing information for this story. Rado is the marketing and communications specialist for Central Minnesota Big Brothers Big Sisters.)
by Dennis Dalman
Erica Ramthun of St. Joseph has been named the “Big Sister of the Year” for 2025 by the Central Minnesota Big Brothers Big Sisters organization.
She is now eligible for national competition. The national Mentors of the Year will be announced next June at the Big Brothers Big Sisters Association’s national conference in Philadelphia.
Ramthun and her “Little Sister” Harlow have been inseparable mentor/mentee since 2017. Harlow at that time was just 9 years old. Their ongoing friendship has far exceeded their initial expectations. Ramthun had wanted to create a relationship with a child that would help that child and herself grow into being better people. Not only were those expectations met, but many other positive outcomes resulted for both of them through a discovery and growth of their inner potentials through personal bonding.
Years ago, Harlow was at first nervous and found it difficult to warm up to people. Her grandmother, Kim, was also at first nervous when meeting Harlow’s “Big Sister” Erica. Kim, however, soon learned how important that relationship was in helping Harlow become confident in herself and in her relationships with others. Now 16, she has a part-time job and a car, and Erica is so proud of her.
During the Covid-19 epidemic, when Harlow could not visit with friends in person, Erica helped her navigate her way through school work via Zoom meetings. Later, she helped Harlow regain the confidence to rejoin her swimming team at school and would cheer her on with great vigor during swim meets.
After Harlow signed up for three weeks at the YMCA’s Camp Olson, she became a bit leery and nervous about meeting new people there. But after those camp activities, she returned home with new friends, and with renewed confidence she forged ahead, signing on to a 10-day trip to Voyageurs’ National Park for this coming summer.
Kim, her grandmother, had this to say:
“School, church classes and church choir have enabled Harlow to make lasting friendships and memories from those building blocks of success with Erica starting seven years ago. Even the small things Erica does like showing up on time, doing new activities or just talking with Harlow has been amazing.”
Erica, too, has benefitted from their strong relationship. They went sledding, ice skating, visited the Minnesota Zoo and the Mall of America – the very things Erica so enjoyed when she was Harlow’s young age.
“I think the biggest lesson she has taught me is that no matter the hand life deals you, there are so many positive things to look forward to,” Erica said. “She is one of my favorite people to spend time with.”
Their relationship is so important to Erica that Harlow was a junior bride’s maid in Erica’s wedding in 2023 at which time Erica’s family and coworkers were finally able to meet the “Little Sister” Erica talked about so warmly and so often.
Erica Ramthun of St. Joseph and young friend Harlow enjoy a cup of coffee together in Ramthun’s kitchen. Ramthun was recently named “Big Sister of the Year” by Central Minnesota Big Brothers Big Sisters organization. Harlow has been Ramthun’s “Little Sister” for the past seven years.
