GCISD Superintendent of Schools Dr. Robin Ryan was named Big Brother of the Year by the Tarrant County Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) program. In accepting the award, Dr. Ryan implored others to become BBBS mentors.
“If you want to do something that really touches your heart as you move forward and watch somebody grow, then be a Big Brother, be a Big Sister, and make a difference in someone else’s life,” said Dr. Ryan.
Melanie Hanna, BBBS Market President for Greater Tarrant County, identifies their mission as simple—to take volunteers and “put them together with amazing students for a one-on-one mentoring experience that changes lives.”
“This creates a better community within our own neighborhood,” Hanna said.
For close to five years, Dr. Ryan has volunteered one hour each week to mentor a student he describes as having unlimited potential. During this time, they played basketball, talked about future plans, took walks, and played many games of chess with his Little Brother, who remains the reigning champion. Dr. Ryan was recognized for this achievement at the April meeting of the GCISD Board of Trustees.
“Due to varying circumstances, there are many young people right here in Grapevine-Colleyville ISD who are in need of an adult role model,” Dr. Ryan said, adding, “What I found out is that my life was enriched as much as my Little Brother’s. We all learn something when we take the opportunity to help others.”
He encourages others to visit the North Texas BBBS site to get more information on Big Brothers Big Sisters, or sign up online to become a “Big” to a “Little.”