When she signed up for the Big Brothers & Big Sisters Organisation, Erica Kelly decided that she would commit for two years. However, that commitment turned into what Mrs. Kelly described as a ?life-long relationship?.

Mrs. Kelly said that she has always felt the need to give back to the community ever since her daughter grew up. In December, 1996, after reading a brochure about the organisation, she decided that for her New Year?s Resolution, she would help out a child through Big Brothers & Big Sisters.

Ashley Grant, 14, a student of Berkeley Institute, became Mrs. Kelly?s little sister in April, 1997.

She said that she had no idea what to expect from her little sister. Although shy at first, Mrs. Kelly said that Ashley warmed up to her and became a part of her normal routine.

?I made a point of including Ashley in my normal routine and thus she was a regular part of my many family activities,? she said.

She also said that Ashley was accepted by the rest of her family as a part of the family.

Mrs. Kelly said that because Ashley has become part of the family, she has travelled with them many times on trips including a cruise, North Carolina and England. She also said that the whole family supports Ashley in her extra curricular activities.

Mrs. Kelly has thoroughly enjoyed being a big sister to Ashley.

?I have had much pleasure and a sense of accomplishment in being a Big Sister. This is something I would not hesitate to commit to and would hesitate to recommend this organisation to others.

The Big Brothers & Big Sisters Organisation is one of the most effective organisations for helping children transition from challenging beginnings to a more promising destiny?, she said.

Ashley also enjoys having Erica as her big sister. She said that Erica is ?truly my sister? in a poem that she wrote.

Ashley said that Erica takes her to the beach and on trips away. In the poem, she talks about how nice Erica is and that she loves her with all of her heart.

She also said that she misses Erica when she isn?t with her.

Ashley said that Erica deserves to be Big Sister of the Year because of all the great things she has done for her.