On Wednesday, May 22nd, the Worcester Red Sox faced off against Norfolk at their home field. For Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Mass & Metrowest, this game was a momentous occasion, particularly for one of our matches, Ava and Alexis.
The Worcester Red Sox partnered with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Massachusetts and Worcester Public Schools, specifically Gates Lane School, to create the "WooSox Mentors" program on March 4, 2022. Through this initiative, Ava and Alexis were matched on May 24, 2022, and instantly connected. Both grew up loving to read and watch the Harry Potter series and share similar personalities—quiet and inquisitive but social when around people they are comfortable with.
Ava understands the importance of education, and her dedication recently earned her acceptance into the Hanover Insurance Academy of the Arts at Burncoat Middle/High School. This prestigious program supports gifted and talented students in developing a strong academic foundation, enabling them to be strategic thinkers, complex problem solvers, effective communicators, creative collaborators, and active, contributing members of the community.
To celebrate this achievement, Dr. Charles Steinberg, president of the Worcester Red Sox and the WooSox Foundation, and Alexis invited Ava and her family to the game on May 19th as their guests. Ava had the honor of throwing a ceremonial first pitch, which was caught by her father. The moment was made even more special with the presence of Ava's mother, brother, grandparents, and aunts and uncles, all of whom enjoyed the game from the first two rows right behind home plate.
This was a full-circle moment, as one of Ava’s goals when she was first matched with Alexis was to learn how to throw a baseball. Their shared love for the sport became a bonding activity that brought them closer. Over the past two years, their relationship has grown stronger, marked by trust, respect, and an unbreakable bond.
"Ava is a special person who is as thoughtful and kind as she is bright," said her "Big Sister," WooSox Director of Public Relations & Community Relations Alexis Dill. "We invited her to throw a ceremonial first pitch at Polar Park because we felt it was important to bring all of her loved ones together to celebrate her acceptance into the prestigious Hanover Insurance Academy of the Arts. If Ava continues to read, take her education seriously, and treat others with kindness and respect, the sky is the limit for her. I am so proud of the young woman she is blossoming into."
Ava and Alexis's story shows the impact of mentorship and the power of programs like WooSox Mentors. Their journey together is just beginning, and we can't wait to see all the incredible things they will accomplish.