Big Brothers Big Sisters Maui Selects 2016 Bigs of the Year

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Maui announced its outstanding Big Brothers and Big Sisters for 2016:

• Keely Lindsey, School-Based Big Sister of the Year Award
• Jared Matias, Above and Beyond Big Brother Award
• Patricia Podach, Community-Based Big Sister of the Year Award
• Stephen Pisacano, Community-Based Big Brother of the Year Award

The four awardees were recognized at the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Maui Celebration Day in August at the Maui Inline Hockey Rink at Kalama Park.

Lindsey, 18, is a graduate of Kamehameha Schools Maui and was matched with her Little Brother Nainoa for the past four years. Organization leaders say they have developed a great relationship by learning that they both had an interest in sports. According to BBBS, Lindsey observed an improvement in Nainoa’s interpersonal skills as he initiates conversations with his peers and improved manners.

Matias, 18, is a currently a student at UH Maui College, and is a graduate of Lahainaluna High School. He has been matched with Little Brother Christian for the past two years, supporting his “little” through major life challenges including a change in family dynamics, stable housing, and financial speed bumps. The pair found it easy to maintain conversation and to work collaboratively to problem solve. Jared stated that he takes a lot from his volunteer experience and feels he is learning many skills that will help him in life. He said he appreciates having responsibility and the ability to impact another person.

Podach, a retired obstetrician/gynecologist, has been matched with her Little Sister Mia since April 2013. The two enjoy baking, gardening, and attending art shows together. Pat has dedicated the last three years to supporting and guiding Mia throughout her high school career. BBBS leaders say the time they have spent together has helped Mia grow into a thoughtful and caring young lady, who has a goal of attending college next fall.

Pisacano is a Social Studies teacher at Lahainaluna High School. He has been matched with his Little Brother Chase since October 2013. The two found that they both enjoy the outdoors, either throwing a football around or shooting hoops. Within the past three years, BBBS leaders say Chase has found a boost in confidence, and has gained many new interests as he goes into his sophomore year of high school.

“These Bigs have shown initiative as individuals and as mentors,” the BBBS announcement stated. They were selected based on their consistency and length of commitment to the match, as well as their willingness to go above and beyond for the agency.

(Top Left) Big Sister Pat Podach with Little Sister Mia. (Top Right) Little Brother Chase with Big Brother Steve Pisacano. (Bottom Left) Little Brother Nainoa with Big Sister Keely Lindsey.
(Bottom Right) Big Brother Jared Matias.

Big Sister Pat Podach with Little Sister Mia.

Little Brother Nainoa with Big Sister Keely Lindsey.

Little Brother Chase with Big Brother Steve Pisacano.

Big Brother Jared Matias.