Three Canutillo Independent School District students were recognized by the Big Brothers Big Sisters of El Paso on Thursday for embracing the spirit of mentorship and helping further the mission of the organization.
Big Brother Austin Miramontes, a senior at Canutillo High School, and his “Little,” Damian Elementary student Adam Marrufo were recognized along with Canutillo Elementary “Little” Ezra Cortez and his Big Brother Terenz Dayrit, a student at UTEP, as two of the three School/Site Based Matches of the Year for the organization.
All Matches of the Year honorees were recognized during a luncheon in Downtown El Paso on Thursday.
“These amazing teams of Bigs and Littles have done a wonderful job of connecting and making a difference in each other’s life,” said Bobbi Jo Ortiz, the chief executive officer for Big Brothers Big Sisters of El Paso. “We’re so happy to recognize the work that is done at these schools to make sure our young people have guidance and mentorship that matters.”
Big Brothers Big Sisters of El Paso creates and supports one-to-one mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth in order to help all youth achieve their full potential.
At Canutillo ISD, the program has found a partner with the Career & Technical Education teacher preparation program at Canutillo High School.
Bigs in Canutillo visit their Littles once a week as part of the teacher preparation program, which has helped foster mentorship opportunities.
The connections that have developed between the younger students and their older mentors have blossomed into lifelong friendships, organizers said.