This National Mentoring Month, Big Brothers Big Sisters of New Hampshire and Vermont are celebrating the power of mentoring by recognizing three extraordinary matches as its 2026 Bigs and Littles of the Year–relationships that exemplify the life-changing impact of consistent, caring mentorship.

Each year, Big Brothers Big Sisters of New Hampshire and Vermont honors Bigs and Littles who demonstrate exceptional commitment, growth, and connection. The 2026 honorees represent three mentoring matches whose relationships reflect the heart of the organization’s mission: creating and supporting strong, enduring mentoring relationships that help young people thrive.

“These matches represent what’s possible when a young person has someone firmly in their corner. While we celebrate all of our Bigs this National Mentoring Month, these three relationships highlight the ripple effect mentorship can have–changing individual lives and strengthening our communities,” said CEO Stacy Kramer. “I am always reminded at this time of year when we honor our Bigs of the Year of the great Maya Angelou, people will not remember what you said, they will remember how you made them feel” and while we celebrate all of our mentors, these three highlight the ripple effect mentorship can have on not only changing the lives of the child, their family, but the mentor and the community as a whole. Having a mentor in your life is a game changer.”

2026 Bigs and Littles of the Year

Match One: Big Brother Colin and Little Brother Cowan If there is an outdoor activity, you can find Colin and Cowan giving it a try. Over the last four years, they’ve discovered countless shared interests, including hiking, skiing, kayaking, skateboarding, disc golf, woodworking, and even playing Minecraft online from time to time.

Match Two: Big Sister Adrianna and Little Sister Katrina For their match duration of five years, at the end of every outing, Adriana and Katrina write in journals to record their adventures and document the new activities they try. Their journals are full of many fun memories.

Match Three: Big Brother Kevin and Little Brother Shaun Kevin and Shaun exemplify the strength of mentorship. Like many of our Littles, Shaun has been without a father figure since his father tragically died in 2016. Since their match began in 2018, Kevin has stepped into that role, supporting Shaun in endless ways.

Through shared experiences, encouragement, and consistency, these matches reflect the broader impact of mentoring across New Hampshire and Vermont.

Recently released research from Harvard University and the U.S. Treasury, analyzing more than 30 years of data, underscores that impact. The study found that young people who participated in Big Brothers Big Sisters mentoring programs were 20 percent more likely to enroll in college and earn 15 percent more over their lifetime.

Education and earnings are among the strongest indicators of long-term community health. When the trajectory of a young person’s life changes, the future of an entire community changes with it. Closing opportunity gaps–ensuring young people have access to support regardless of the family or community they are born into–creates lasting pathways to success.

As the need for mentors continues to grow, Big Brothers Big Sisters encourages community members to honor National Mentoring Month by getting involved–whether by becoming a mentor, supporting the organization, or spreading awareness about the importance of mentoring relationships.

“It’s good and it’s getting deeper. Her believing in me and my goals has been important and helpful,” Little Sister Ace said of her relationship with Big Sister Caroline.

To learn more about Big Brothers Big Sisters of New Hampshire and Vermont or how to get involved, visit www.bigsnhvt.org.