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Big Brothers Big Sisters honor ‘best of the best’

Ceremony at Oscar Event Center lauds county’s mentors.

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Updated 9:42 AM Monday, November 14, 2011

By Justin McClelland

Staff Writer

FAIRFIELD — Brian Stout felt an emptiness in his home when his son left for college two years ago. To help fill the void, he decided to become a positive influence in the life of another local young man.

Stout joined Big Brother Big Sisters of Butler county, becoming a mentor to David Severence, then 14, of Fairfield. The two clicked instantly.

“We go out at least once a week, head to dinner, watch a movie, work on homework, all kinds of stuff,” David said. “He’s a great guy.”

Stout was recognized as the Big Brother of the year for the Butler County arm of the national volunteer program at a ceremony last week.

“Our goal is provide one-on-one mentors to at-risk kids, be it academically or socially,” said Marvin Torres, spokesman for the agency. “The bigs provide a stable influence for the kids and give them something to aspire to.”

The Butler County organization serves more than 800 children per year. The annual celebration was a way to show “the best of the best” of the program, Torres said.

“Brian helps me follow my goals and believes I can accomplish anything,” Brian said. “He looks out for me.”

Cindy Severence, David’s mother, recalled that Stout had been there for her son when the family dog had died.

“David was strong for me all day,” Cindy Severence said. “But when he felt I was OK, he called Brian. Brian left his house at 8 p.m. at night just to be there for him. He’s a blessing for our entire family.”

“I’ve seen changes in David’s personality,” Stout said. “He used to be quite a hot head and we’ve been working to control that for two years now. When something is going well for him, to see the spark in his eye, it’s just an amazing feeling.”

Other winners included: Anita Caudill, Middletown, was Big Sister of the year. She has been matched with her little sister Emily Centers since August 2010.

Noah Centers, Middletown, was Little Brother of the Year. Noah was nominated by Big Brother Dale Boolton. The two have been paired since September 2009.

Destiny Waters, Franklin, was Little Sister of the Year. Waters has been matched with big sister Judy Friedhof since February 2009.

The winners were at first nominated by their charges or mentors. A review committee then reviewed the applicants and chose the winners, who were honored at a banquet held at the Oscar Event Center at Jungle Jim’s in Fairfield.

Contact this reporter at (513) 696-4544 or jmcclelland@coxohio.com.

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