OC High School Students Receive Big Brothers Big Sisters Award

ORANGE COUNTY, CA — Two local high school students will receive $2,500 scholarships courtesy of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Orange County and the Inland Empire.

The youth mentoring nonprofit announced earlier this month it's awarding the scholarship as part of its 2022 High School Bigs of the Year Angelitos Award to high school students who are "unparalleled in their service in the local community."

Natalia Leon, a student at Middle College High in Santa Ana, was named the High School Big Sister of the Year, while Eduardo Reyes Arciga, a student at Tustin High School, was named the High School Big Brother of the Year.

High School Bigs serves as mentors to elementary school students, called Littles, the nonprofit said.

Big Brothers Big Sisters said high school students who become mentors "find their own voices as community advocates and philanthropists."

Sloane Keane, CEO of the nonprofit's local chapter, lauded students like Leon and Arciga, who are dedicated to "shaping brighter futures for our youth."

"At the end of the day, it's really all about starting a friendship, providing guidance, and inspiring them to reach their potential," Keane said. "We are so grateful for the contributions of these finalists and all our volunteers that allow us to celebrate and enhance the power and promise of today’s youth."