April 2006
Kevin W. Martin, Massachusetts Big Brother of the Year
Framingham, Mass.-Kevin W. Martin, who has been a Big Brother for 11 years, was recently named Massachusetts Big Brother of the Year.
Martin, whose Little Brother Markus Ricci, is now a student at Wheaton College, was nominated by Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Mass/Metrowest. He was chosen by a panel of judges at Big Brothers Big Sisters of Massachusetts Bay and will be among those considered for National Big Brother of the Year at the annual convention of Big Brothers Big Sisters of America in Indianapolis in June.
"My experience as a Big Brother has been nothing short of life changing," Martin said. "Becoming Markus' Big Brother taught me that true success in life comes from the successes one can help others achieve. Ironically, I've learned far more about myself and have had more fun along the way by focusing on Markus than I ever did concentrating on me."
Martin said that people often ask him to describe what it's like to be a Big Brother. "My best description is one part coach, one part teacher, one part brother, and one (very big) part friend," he said. " The irony, however, is that I'm sure that Markus has taught and inspired me just as much as I have him."
"I feel a great sense of pride when I think of Markus," Martin continued, " pride in a young man who has grown into a fantastic individual."
Martin's Little Brother is now a junior planning on a career in medicine and is an avid lacrosse player. Martin still attends his games.
"My transition from boy to man has a lot to do with the time I have spent with my Big Brother," Ricci said. " I find my self trying to emulate his actions when performing my own tasks. His affect on my life has been invaluable and undeniable."
Ricci further noted that, "having a male influence in my life such as Kevin has allowed me to experience different perspectives on issues I would have otherwise not been able to find. He has truly been an angel in disguise, guiding me through situations and teaching me the morals and ethics a man should have."
Jani Ricci, of Wayland, Mass., Markus' mother, said that her entire family has benefited from her son's Big Brother.
"Although Kevin originally came into our lives as support for Markus, we have all been touched by his bighearted involvement in our lives," she said. "He has unselfishly given to us his time, his guidance, and his love. Kevin is a gift to us."
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Mass/Metrowest also has benefited from Martin's passion for mentoring. After his Little Brother left for college, Martin contacted executive director Ben Ticho, and asked how he could continue to support the mission of Big Brothers Big Sisters beyond his role as a Big Brother.
Martin's timing was perfect as the agency was gearing up for its first fund development efforts. He helped plan and execute a fund raising breakfast, a huge success with $129,000 pledged.
"Kevin has been tireless and creative in his help with our fund development," Ticho said. "He's taken it upon himself to make it possible for our agency to support mentors for more children than ever before."
About Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Mass/Metrowest
Over the past 43 years Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Mass/Metrowest has mentored more than 3,000 children. Since its merger in 2004 with Big Brothers Big Sisters of South Middlesex, the newly combined agency has extended its mentoring to schools and Boys and Girls Clubs in the Metrowest. National research has shown that the positive relationships between youth and their Big Brothers and Big Sisters have a direct, measurable, and lasting impact on children's lives. For more information, visit bbbscm.org.