Big Brother, Big Sister

Of Year Are Honored

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Martha’s Vineyard is proud to announce that Mike McCourt and Jackie Mendez-Diez have been selected as the Big Brother and Big Sister of the Year.

Each year Big Brothers Big Sisters honors two adult volunteers, who have been matched with an Island youth for at least four years, supports the organization by contributing their time, treasure and talents and are ambassadors for the Big Brothers Big Sisters program on the Vineyard.

Mike McCourt has been matched with Joey Myers since November 2003. Mr. McCourt has volunteered his time with Big Brothers in many ways. He served on the board of directors for 10 years, and was the president for three. Each year he puts together a five-mile road race that benefits the organization.

Joey and Mr. McCourt enjoy skipping rocks on the beach, video games, bike riding, and professional football and baseball games. Their love for NASCAR auto racing is the glue that really holds them together.

Jackie Mendez-Diez and Ava Castro have been matched since April 2004. During the years Ms. Mendez-Diez has helped out with many different office tasks. She is always available to make phone calls and is a support whenever needed.

Ava recently asked Ms. Mendez-Diez to be her mentor for a project at school. Ava spent one afternoon each week with her in her art studio. At the end of the mentorship, Ava put on a show with the artwork she had accomplished. Ava’s interest in the arts continues to grow.