April 2006
Dr. H. Martin Deranian Honored at Statehouse
Boston-Dr. H. Martin Deranian, a Shrewsbury resident who has been a Big Brother for 41 years, was among 49 mentors recently honored by Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Mass/Metrowest at a ceremony at the statehouse in Boston.
Dr. Deranian set the gold standard for mentoring-after more than four decades he remains a good friend and mentor to his Little Brother Cameron Fersch, Holliston. They talk on the phone and get together every month for lunch. Three years ago, Fersch paid the ultimate tribute to his mentor: he became a Big Brother himself to Malakhai McCants 11, Framingham.
All three were at the statehouse on the 24th, as Deranian and Fersch were honored at an awards ceremony and luncheon from noon to 2 p.m.
"It's important to recognize the impact one person can make on the life of a child," said Ben Ticho, executive director of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Mass/Metrowest.
At the event, honorees received plaques and met with state representatives.
About Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Mass/Metrowest
Over the past 43 years Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Mass/Metrowest has mentored more than 3,000 children. Since its merger in 2004 with Big Brothers Big Sisters of South Middlesex, the newly combined agency has extended its mentoring to schools and Boys and Girls Clubs in the Metrowest. National research has shown that the positive relationships between youth and their Big Brothers and Big Sisters have a direct, measurable, and lasting impact on children's lives. For more information, visit bbbscm.org.