Local volunteer, Megan Pope, was recently named, “Big Sister of the Year,” by Big Brothers Big Sisters of SLO County.

Pope has been a mentor to her 13-year-old “Little Sister”, Kayla, for two years. The award was presented at BBBS’ recent “Big Event” an auction and wine-tasting fundraiser.

Kayla’s mom said, “She [Pope] is an awesome human being. Kayla is so full of ideas and good energy after their outings. I am so happy about the whole experience with Big Brothers Big Sisters. Having a mentor has fed something Kayla really needed and it has been so good.”

Kayla said, “I really like being able to talk with someone about what’s going on. She takes me to work with her. I get to sit in on college classes. That’s pretty cool.”

Pope is an instructor and a technology resource specialist at Cuesta College.

Along with being a “Big Sister”, she has volunteered to coach and develop the staff’s public speaking and presentation skills, and supported recruitment and outreach efforts by sharing her own mentoring story at local public speaking events.

In the photo: Megan Pope (left) receives the local Big Sister of the Year plaque from Tatiana Abundis, Big Brothers Big Sisters’ program director. Submitted photo