Meet Team VanPamel/Brugnone

Sarah VanPamel, mentor from Clinton Township, and Kianna Brugnone, mentee from Clinton Township

Sarah currently attends the University of Detroit Mercy and is a Boys & Girls Club volunteer. She has 13 years of experience as a dancer, and teaches dance to young children. Sarah is also a fan of her hometown sports teams, and she enjoys water sports and other outdoor activities. Sarah and Kianna were matched through Big Brothers Big Sisters. Kianna attends Tenniswood School and has an interest in swimming, basketball and food. Some of the activities they do together are eat lunch, play putt-putt golf and attend Big Brothers Big Sisters events. They also stay in touch by talking on the phone and e-mailing. Kianna and Sarah share a favorite memory of going out to dinner together at the Fondue Room. Sarah appreciates Kianna’s “constant upbeat personality and beautiful smile.” They look forward to achieving a healthy goal together.

Meet Team Howard/Wysinger

John Howard, mentor from Benton Harbor, and Corey Wysinger, mentee from Benton Harbor

John works with youth at the Boys & Girls Club of Benton Harbor. He loves playing sports, camping and biking. John has been matched with Corey for one year and they spend time together at the Club. They also are involved in volunteer programs throughout their community. Corey is 12 years old and attends the Lighthouse Education Center. At the Boys & Girls Club he is a member of the Torch Club and Peer Council programs. Corey enjoys wrestling, football, and playing chess and baseball with John. He has a fun memory of cleaning up a cemetery with John. John’s favorite memory is when Corey got his first base hit in a baseball game. Corey is excited to visit Detroit and go sight-seeing. John admires Corey’s courage to be different and Corey appreciates John’s wisdom.