High School "Bigs" making impact at Justice Elementary
- Shanda Crosby
- Jun 19
- 3 min read
Updated: Jun 20
At Justice Elementary, something powerful is happening – something built on board games, art, and conversations about confidence, leadership, and life.
Through the Big Brothers/Big Sisters program, GRC students are modeling what it means to show up, connect, and change lives.
What began as an informal effort to connect high school mentors with elementary students has grown into a full-fledged partnership between Justice Elementary and Big Brothers/Big Sisters of the Bluegrass — and the impact is already evident in the students who look forward to their Bigs’ weekly visits.
“We had some GRC students come over in the 2023-24 school year to mentor, but we weren’t yet affiliated with Big Brothers/Big Sisters,” explained Eva Miller, Family Resource Youth Services Center Coordinator at Justice. “When BBBS reached out looking for a school to partner with, Justice was a natural fit since we already had the ball rolling.”
Now formally under the BBBS umbrella, the program matches GRC juniors — the “Bigs” — with younger Justice Elementary students — the “Littles” — for one-on-one connections each Wednesday morning.
“Our staff builds relationships, of course,” said Justice Principal Mary Maldonado, “but anytime we can bring in GRC students or community members to add another level of connection, it strengthens the school as a whole.”
The program has grown from a grassroots idea into a structured initiative complete with interviews, interest surveys, permission slips, and consistent engagement — all built around intentional and thoughtful matches.
“The Littles gain a positive, consistent older friend who is encouraging and supportive,” explained Ben Heinlen, Program Director for BBBS of the Bluegrass. “Research shows that having a mentor can help a child improve confidence and social skills, do better in school, have better attendance, and have healthier relationships at school and home.”
Maldonado emphasized the importance of the matching process. “We want a match that makes sense,” she said. “There has to be some type of similarity – something in common – that helps the relationship form naturally. And that has worked really well.”
The weekly sessions begin at 7:30 a.m. so the high school students can make it to GRC in time for their first period.
That’s an early day for most high school students, but the “Bigs” who will to continue to meet with their “Littles” next year are thrilled with the opportunity.
Laeah Dean mentors Justice rising 3rd grader, Bentley. “She’s kind of like my little sister,” Laeah shared. “She gets so excited when I come in the room. I love it and I love her; spending time with her just makes my day.”
For Zander Miller, connecting with Rhett was a special experience as both love art. “We love having drawing contests and learning from each other,” Zander said. “Spending time with Rhett was a highlight of my junior year and I look forward to seeing him the fall.”
Tanner Rivers, a former Justice student, sees this as a full-circle moment. “It’s been great to go back to my home school and give back,” says Tanner, who mentors Wilder. “Being able to teach and hang out with kids and be a role model is something I have always loved. I learned from Wilder to be more dependable and be there for him. He’s my favorite person.”
The matches take place under close supervision, with regular communication between BBBS and school staff.
Looking ahead, both BBBS and CCPS plan to grow the program, with Heinlen saying the goal is 10 matches at Justice next year, with hopes to expand to more elementaries.
“These are the kinds of relationships that can last a lifetime,” said GRC Assistant Principal Diana Cline, who helps identify GRC juniors as two-year mentors. “Our students are learning how to connect, how to lead, and how to be there for someone else. It’s something they’ll always carry with them.”
The program got off the ground late in the 2024-25 school year, and everyone is excited for the reconnection in August.
“Our Bigs are so good with the Littles,” said Maldonado. “They’re patient, they listen, they laugh. You can see them tap into their younger selves. And you’d be amazed how quickly the bonds form. Our Littles are already completely devoted to their Bigs – and that’s after only a few visits. This is bigger and more awesome than I even imagined.”
As the program grows, it solidifies the truth that mentorship matters – not just for the “Littles,” but for the “Bigs,” too.
As Zander put it, “Being able to connect to a little person is awesome. It’s been a blessing.”
