Troy Galbraith was among two Bigs from Kosciusko County nominated for one of seven volunteer awards. Galbraith is shown with a gift he received. Photos provided by Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northeast Indiana.

By Eli Rider
Big Brothers Big Sisters Director of Marketing Operations

FORT WAYNE —  Big Brothers Big Sisters celebrated all its volunteers Tuesday, July 15, with the rock-star themed 2025 Volunteer Recognition Dinner. Two of this year’s nominees were from Kosciusko, Trace Hansen and Troy Galbraith, as well as one of the judges, Shari Benyousky.

Igniting the potential of youth and, in turn, making our communities a better place would not be possible without the dedication of these extraordinary people. The seven volunteers — who embraced their roles as mentors and friends with particular vigor — were announced as the Volunteers of the Year for all of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northeast Indiana.

On Tuesday, BBBS staff and Bigs from all over Northeast Indiana traveled to the Clyde Theater to join in on an evening full of fun, music and celebration. This year’s Volunteer Recognition Dinner featured a free Casa Ristoranti Italiano dinner for its Bigs, activities and loads of prizes that made this night unforgettable.

Kosciusko County Big Brother Trace Hansen is shown with a gift he received as an award nominee.

This event also honored seven selected people who have gone above and beyond as volunteers, helping BBBS ignite the power and promise of youth. For the first time in several years, BBBS added the categories for Real Men Reader of the Year and Rookie of the Year.

The seven volunteers who were awarded for their service:

Big Brother of the Year: Nathan Moore

Big Sister of the Year: Denise Mills

Big Couple of the Year: Andrew & Alex Yaney

School Buddy of the Year: Edward DeWitt

Real Men Reader of the Year: Morgan Boudler

Rookie of the Year: Liz Braden

Big Brother Nathan has been matched with his Little Brother Rovenio for six years now. Right from the start, it was clear this was a solid match, both big fans of STEM subjects and cars. Together, Nathan and Rovenio have built a healthy and supportive friendship that both supports Rovenio’s current interests and also expands his horizons with new experiences. Nathan has modeled how to be a respectful and responsible person, offering guidance and support as Rovenio grows up — whether showing him how to be a caring family member or helping him with homework.

Liz Braden was honored with the Rookie of the Year Award. From left are BBBS CEO Josette Rider, Braden and BBBS Board Member Martin Huttenlocker.

Big Sister Denise has been matched with her Little Sister Darlene for nine years. Denise and Darleen’s relationship has evolved throughout the years, from strangers to family. Having a mentor, especially someone as loyal as Denise, allowed this Little to have someone to lean on through any challenges she was going through. This volunteer’s main goal was to balance teaching life lessons with being a fun relief from the real world. Because of this hands-on mentorship style, Darleen personally feels she has strengthened her critical thinking skills. Having a mentor has also developed her ability to interact with adults and her overall confidence in herself.

Big Couple Andrew & Alex have been matched with Little Brother Jesus for almost eight years. It didn’t take too long before this trio bonded over their shared faith and a love of sports. The three are a lot busier than they once were, especially since Jesus has now graduated high school and has a full-time welding job! But they don’t let that stop them from scheduling a day to meet up after work, catch up, and eat. Andrew and Alex have watched their Little grow in work ethic, improve grades, become more outgoing, excel in football, grow professionally, and show more future-oriented goals and questions. Jesus seeks out his Big Couple’s wisdom and worldly advice, knowing he can ask them anything, and they’ll always be there to answer.

School Buddy Edward has been matched with his Little Brother Coleton for two years. However, this seasoned Site-Based Big has been matched numerous times for 25 years, beginning in 1999. When Coleton and Edward first met, Coleton mostly spoke in one-word answers. It was hard to learn much from him due to his reserved personality. However, Edward persisted, and soon the two became good pals. Now, there is never a dull moment between these two, with their chatter and laughter, often at Edward’s hilarious jokes, taking up any silence.

Morgan Boudler, center, was named the Real Men Reader of the Year at the BBBS Volunteer Recognition Dinner. Shown with Boudler are CEO Josette Ride, left and Board Member Martin Huttenlocker, right.

Real Men Reader Morgan has been part of our Real Men Read program for the past 10 years, and before that, he had been a School Buddy six times. Morgan’s sincere, kind spirit allows him to get along great with his classes throughout the years. His genuine love for uplifting youth and Real Men Read leaves him as one of the school’s most beloved volunteers, with staff always singing his praises. His involvement with our agency traces back to the 90s, and he put his love for the mission into action with his years and years of volunteering to make a difference in the lives of young people.

Rookie School Buddy Liz has been matched with her Little Sister Brielle for eight months now! At first, their Match Support Specialist was worried about this new match. Brielle was so quiet, it seemed as though she wouldn’t talk to Liz. While this was true at first, Brielle just had to get to know her new School Buddy. Week by week, she began opening up to Liz, sharing more about herself and how her life was. Showing how far they’ve grown together, Brielle finished a drawing of herself and her Big and held it up for Liz to see. Across the middle was a simple message: “You’re my best friend.”

We’d like to thank each one of our volunteers who exemplify a commitment to change, giving back, and being a good friend, and a special Big “thank you” and congratulations to our Bigs of the Year for Northeast Indiana.

To learn more about Big Brothers Big Sisters check out our website: bbbsnei.org.