Big Brothers Big Sisters of Orange County is proud to present its finalists for the 2025 Mentors of the Year from its High School Bigs program. These outstanding young leaders illustrate how peer mentoring helps students achieve their biggest possible futures while making a long-lasting impact on their mentee and their communities.
These six peer mentors have demonstrated a true dedication to their Littles by regularly spending time with them, guiding and supporting them as they navigate growing up through adversity. They have also been an integral part of the mentoring movement as champions and advocates for the impact positive role models have in our community.
Thanks to the support of Angelitos de Oro, an auxilary of Big Brothers Big Sisters or Orange County and the Inland Empire, each of these outstanding mentors will receive college and career funding to continue their advocacy work; two of them will be announced as the winners of the Angelitos Award on January 30 as part of National Mentoring Month.
Angela Boc (Savanna High School)
" Being the first [in my family] to go to university is no easy task as many first generations may know there is so much pressure on you to be the best and to succeed, to be greater then anyone before you. Finding that perfect balance of responsibility and fun has been tricky but joining Big Brothers Big Sisters helps me level it out doing fun activities that allow me to be a kid but also have the right amount of responsibility when being a mentor to a Little. These challenges as a first generation have helped me to become an outstanding mentor by teaching my Little the right amount of balance between responsibilities and fun."
Bethany Vu (Middle College High School)
"As a freshman, joining Big Brothers Big Sisters was a highlight for me because it pushed me out of my comfort zone and allowed me to help my Little and teach her leadership and advocacy, skills that I felt were needed as a student. The experience of mentoring her helped me heal the shy, bullied version of myself and embrace the leader I’ve become today. Through my role as a mentor, I learned that leadership isn't about being the loudest in the room, but about listening and guiding others to find their own voice."
Kendall Liang (Cypress High School)
"This program has inspired me to give guidance and be a leader in my community. My ultimate goal is to support and encourage others. I hope to one day become a role model outside of school and a dependable guidance counselor for those who lack familial support or positive influences like I did growing up. I myself would have never thought of being someone's Big who can influence and inspire them, because I didn’t believe in myself or my ability to do that. My younger self would be really proud of how I went from being a Little to becoming a mentor for others."
Alexander Safo (Cypress High School)
" At school, relentless bullying targeted my self-expression and identity, pushing me further into isolation and reinforcing the belief that I didn’t truly belong. High school became a turning point in my life. Mentoring has allowed me to transform my challenges into a source of strength for others. I’ve learned that being an outstanding mentor isn’t about perfection but about empathy, patience, and encouragement. Everyday, I am so lucky to have been a part of the Big Brothers Big Sisters program and community, and it has shaped me into a person the younger me would be proud of."
Brian Huynh (Oxford Academy)
"One of the key values [my parents] have imparted to me is to give to others and help others out, even when no one is looking. On top of this, I am the baby of my family, this means that growing up, I was constantly surrounded by mentors who would help me and give me advice. They’ve played a crucial role in my development, and I know the value of having a mentor. I’ve always wondered what it was like to be an inspiration to others, and I feel like everyone deserves someone who can guide them. This is what led me to be my best version of myself and be an outstanding mentor to Angel, where in a way, I could express my gratitude for such a situation and use it to be a positive influence in another life. I could pass this value down to someone who I know will use it to help others in need. "
Cesar Mora (Valencia High School)
"Reflecting on my experiences, I have discovered my “why” and realized that it aligns with the mission of the Big Brothers Big Sisters’ High School Bigs program. I recognize the value of having supportive figures in my life, but I also understand that not everyone has such people. Such situations deeply trouble me, especially with children. I want to work towards being a positive guiding force for a child who needs someone to help them realize possibilities especially through early intervention. Guiding me is the goal that my Littles will walk away, knowing they had a positive connection with a mentor who was present with them and who took the time to build a relationship with them."
