Taylor Langstaff, recently graduated from Kapa‘a High School, and Kellee Kikumoto, a junior at Kapa‘a High School, were announced as the Big Brother of the Year and Big Sister of the Year, respectively, by the Kaua‘i Big Brothers and Big Sisters.
Kaulana Finn, the community director for the KBBBS, said as part of the honor, both students received a plaque of recognition as well as a $500 scholarship awarded by the KBBBS from Aloha Shoyu and Aloha Bottling Co.
Langstaff has been matched with his “Little Brother” Edward for the past two years, balancing his schedule with soccer, volleyball and other school commitments to volunteer as a KBBBS mentor, Finn said in a release.
With his eye on a degree in business administration, Langstaff will be attending Point Loma Nazarene University in California in the fall.
He spends his free time surfing and enjoying the outdoors.
“His passion for making a difference is what makes Taylor the choice for Big Brother of the Year,” Finn said.
Kikumoto has been mentoring with the KBBBS for the past two years. She has been accepted into the 2011-2012 Pi‘ina Hoku Youth Leadership Kaua‘i program, which started in August, and is also active in various school organizations, including the National Honor Society and People to People Clubs.
Kikumoto was selected to be a student ambassador this past summer, sharing the spirit of aloha while traveling throughout Europe for three weeks.
Her goal is to pursue a medical or counseling degree following graduation from Kapa‘a High.
“Kellee’s dedication and unwavering commitment as a mentor has earned her the Big Sister of the Year award,” Finn said. “Congratulations to both Taylor and Kellee.”
The KBBBS was established on Kaua‘i in 2007 and is an extension of the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Honolulu.
The KBBBS is a proud partner of the Kaua‘i United Way, with a mission of helping children reach their full potential through one-on-one relationships with mentors who have a measurable impact on youth.
The vision of KBBBS is successful mentoring relationships for all children who need and want them, contributing to brighter futures, better schools and stronger communities for all.
The KBBBS has grown to include six school-based programs, including Kekaha, Kapa‘a Elementary, Kapa‘a Middle, King Kaumuali‘i and Wilcox schools.
There is also a community-based program that services the greater community.
Visit www.bigskauai.org or call 855-2900 for more information.
