10-02-2025
NEWS:
2025 Big Brothers Big Sisters Graduation
A Future Full of Potential: 2024 Big Brothers Big Sisters Graduation
Every year we gather to celebrate a truly special moment: the graduation of our incredible Littles! Our annual Graduation Celebration honors the hard work and dedication of our Littles and the powerful friendships that helped them get here. It was a day filled with pride, hope, and excitement for the next chapter.
Our 2025 Graduating Class
A graduation ceremony is always special, but our 2025 celebration was a true testament to the power of mentorship. We gathered to honor our graduating high school seniors—young men and women who, with the support of their Bigs, have taken a powerful step toward their biggest possible futures. Their achievements are a celebration of potential realized and a testament to the life-changing impact of our mission.
Congratulations to our ten 2025 Graduates:
Dayton, Joshua, Jovanny, Juan, Kieliaa, Mairim, Miriam, Pele, Theason, and Toby.
Of these students Little Sister Kieliaa earned early acceptance into University of Nevada, Reno’s Pre-Nursing Program. Little Brother Dayton went from missing high school credits, to working so hard and applying such dedication that he graduated a full year early – already joining the workforce while exploring his next educational steps with his Big Brother. Little Brother Pele will be attending Snow College in Utah on an athletic scholarship
We also want to recognize the incredible journey between a Big and Little that brought them here. Over months and years, these powerful friendships were forged through countless moments—from snack runs and study sessions to movie nights and shared conversations. It’s these day-to-day moments that bonds are built and are celebrated at this momentous event.
We must recognize the Bigs who dedicated their time and commitment to these young adults. Your support is truly inspiring.
Thank you to our outstanding 2025 Bigs: Tayler, Chad, Jose, Nicholas, Keisha, Sarah, Donna, Bill, Jake, and Kiersten.
An Investment in the Next Generation
During the celebration, we were thrilled to award the Marily McQueen Henselman Scholarship and the Gretchen Hass Scholarship to a few of our graduating Littles. These scholarships are a direct and powerful investment in their continued education, helping to clear the path as they head to college, a trade school, or a technical program.
Both of these Scholarship Funds are designed to support Littles who wish to pursue additional education after high school. The scholarships will be applied toward the student’s financial postsecondary educational expenses through direct payment to the student’s university, community college, or trade school. Each scholarship is more than just a financial award; it’s a commitment from our community to stand with them on their journey.
The Marily McQueen Henselman Scholarship
This year the Marily McQueen Henselman Scholarship was awarded to three individuals:
- Theason Hyde who will be attending Truckee Meadows Community College.
- Miriam Chavez who will be attending Universal Technical Institute.
- Mairim Arteaga who will be attending Truckee Meadows Community College.
The Gretchen Hass Scholarship
This 2025 Gretchen Hass Scholarship recipient is Mairim Arteaga. Mairim is a first-generation college student who embodies the resilience and determination we champion every day.
Mairim has already made an incredible impact on her community, volunteering at events like the Biggest Little Easter Egg Hunt and serving as captain of her varsity dance team all while working in the restaurant industry to help support her household. Through personal loss and hardship, her Big Sister and teacher describe her as “a young woman of courage and unwavering determination”—traits that will fuel her drive to succeed.
Mairim shared herself, that she is “prepared to work [her] hardest and use [her] full potential with the help of the Gretchen Hass scholarship.” Her words perfectly capture our mission in action: empowering a young person to step boldly into their biggest possible future.
Looking Forward to What’s Next
We are so proud of our graduating class and can’t wait to see all that they will accomplish. Their journey with us may be coming to a close, but the impact of their mentorship will last a lifetime.
To our graduates, congratulations! And to our community of donors and volunteers, thank you for making moments like these possible. Your support helps us continue to be Defenders of Potential every single day.