One mission. Many mentors.

At the heart of Big Brothers Big Sisters are relationships built over time. Relationships rooted in trust and the simple but powerful act of showing up. Each year, our Bigs and Littles of the Year remind us of the many ways mentorship shows up in our community, from long-standing community-based matches to workplace and school-based programs.

In our traditional community-based program, two matches are being honored for the strength of their connections and positive impact on the lives of the Littles.

Matched for eight years, Big Brother Nick Trubilla and Little Brother Messiah have built a relationship grounded in encouragement and advocating for one another. Since being matched when Messiah was just 10 years old, Nick has been a constant source of support, especially when it comes to success in school. He has helped Messiah access school resources, provided support both virtually and in person, and consistently encouraged him to aim higher. Nick’s commitment extends beyond his own match; he actively recruits new volunteers and advocates proudly for our organization, embodying what it means to be a mentor in every sense.

For more than six years, Big Sister Catherine Tung has been a steady, empowering presence in Little Sister Riley’s life. From the beginning, Catherine approached the friendship with patience and care, supporting Riley as she navigated challenges and transitions throughout her childhood. Through consistent encouragement, Riley grew in confidence, formed meaningful connections, and learned to feel comfortable in new environments. Catherine has celebrated each milestone along the way, remaining actively engaged with BBBS through CARES Program events and fundraising activities like Bowl for Kids’ Sake. Their match reflects the lasting impact of long-term mentorship and the powerful role a trusted adult can play in helping a young person thrive.

Mentorship also takes shape in powerful ways through our Workplace Mentoring Programs, where students step inside professional environments and begin to see what their futures can look like. By connecting young people with caring professionals in real-world settings, workplace mentoring builds confidence, expands career awareness, and makes post-secondary goals feel more achievable.

In his first year as a mentor in the New Brunswick High School and Saint Peter’s University Hospital program, Jack O’Hara built a relationship rooted in mutual respect, creating space for honest conversations about goals and next steps. Jack went beyond scheduled program time to provide interview coaching and professional guidance, modeling both practical skills and confidence. His steady encouragement and dedication to the program reflect the transformative power of mentors who are willing to open doors and share their expertise.

Similarly, Aly Franek, mentoring through the Monmouth Medical Center Southern Campus and Jackson Township High School program, made a meaningful impact in her first year. Aly quickly became a trusted presence, offering encouragement while helping her mentee navigate academic and career aspirations. She also strengthened the overall program by organizing engaging activities that built connection among many matches, creating a sense of community within the program. Her empathy, initiative, and dedication illustrate how workplace mentors not only guide individual students but also help cultivate environments where young people feel supported and inspired.

In our School-Based Mentoring Programs, high school students step into leadership roles by mentoring younger students in their middle and elementary schools. These peer-to-peer relationships create powerful ripple effects: younger students gain a relatable role model who understands their world, while high school mentors build leadership skills, empathy, and a deeper sense of responsibility within their own school communities.

Our High School Big of the Year, Anthony Smith, exemplifies that impact. As a mentor in the Woodbridge School-Based Program, Anthony’s influence extended beyond a single match. Known for his warmth and consistency, he helped create an environment where every Little felt welcomed, seen, and comfortable. He prioritized mentoring even when it meant turning down other extracurricular opportunities, demonstrating a level of commitment that inspired both students and staff. Anthony also recruited friends to become Bigs, holding them accountable and reinforcing the importance of showing up. His leadership and heart strengthened not only his match, but the culture of mentorship throughout the program.

Together, our 2026 Bigs and Littles of the Year represent the many ways mentorship changes lives. Their stories remind us that lasting impact is built through patience, advocacy, encouragement, and the simple but powerful commitment to keep showing up.