Senior Cara Saulog has shown great leadership when it comes to mentoring young children, empowering them, and reinforcing their ability to dream big. Saulog’s resilience and hard work are recognized and brought to the spotlight as she is appreciated for inspiring her matches to strive for excellence.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of McHenry County is a program that allows high school students, referred to as Bigs, to match with elementary school students, referred to as Littles. Within these matches, Bigs are able to tutor and play with Littles and teach them soft skills, such as active listening, playing fair, and sportsmanship.
This after-school program seeks to promote the potential of young children so they can realize their brightest possible futures and work towards a goal they never dreamed of accomplishing.
“I joined Big Brothers Big Sisters during my sophomore year,” Saulog said. “I’ve always enjoyed teaching my friends and helping them out, so I thought I would do the same for younger kids who may need that help and attention.”
Saulog has been invited to a gala at Boulder Ridge County Club in Lake in the Hills and will be hosted by Big Brothers Big Sisters on Nov. 7. She, her Little, and three other Matches of the Year from different districts will accept their awards on stage and share a few words. A video of interviews will be shown at the gala, where the winners talk about their experiences in Big Brothers Big Sisters and give advice to incoming Bigs and Littles.
“[Earning Match of the Year] takes a lot of great qualities like: how long they have been in [the] program, how long is their current match, how the match gets along, does this Big show integrity, kindness, warmth? Do they show up consistently? Is this Big coming up with ideas and trying new things, all the while having fun? And yes, Cara has all these qualities,” supervisor Jon Nawrocki said.
Following three years of representing District 158 in Big Brother Big Sister, Saulog looks forward to continuing to work with kids, primarily in the medical field, which her place in Youth Residency is supporting. While she wants to be a vet, Saulog understands that many kids will eventually learn about the death of their pets, and she hopes to be there for them.
“She fits the title,” said senior Bridget Chrisitansen, another member of the program. “She’s very driven and hardworking and kind. They’re good qualities to have for this title.”
