The organization Big brothers Big Sisters of America originated in 1904 by Ernest Coulter, who developed a much smaller group just called New York Big Brothers in order to reach out to the youth in the juvenile court system. Located on 202 Baltimore, the program has been involved with the San Antonio community since 1978, and has helped serve over 2,000 students in the various surrounding counties. People who desire to become Big Brothers or Big Sisters have to apply and are screened thoroughly by trained professionals before they are chosen to partake in the program. The organization understands many volunteers have busy schedules, and therefore volunteers can put in at least four hours a month and 36 hours a school year. The children selected to be “littles” enroll between the ages of 5-14, and can remain in the program unit they are 18. “Bigs” can take their “littles” to different places like movies, museums, parks, play sports, or anything else that interests the pair. The role of the volunteer is to encourage their match to do well in school, home, and their community through their examples as role models. For more information on how to get involved with the program, please visit their page or contact the organization at (210) 225-6322. CM

San Antonio Independent School District has received for the second year the state's highest rating for financial accountability. The "Superior Achievement" honor was earned under the Schools FIRST – Financial Accountability Rating System of Texas – and acknowledges the quality of SAISD's financial management and reporting system.

"This rating demonstrates that SAISD has sound fiscal governance and management with appropriate reporting mechanisms in place to ensure that public dollars are being used efficiently and cost-effectively," said Dr. Rubén D. Olivárez, SAISD Superintendent.

Despite its name, this award is far from the "first" of its type SAISD has earned for fiscal responsibility. The District also has received the prestigious Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting awards from the Government Finance Officers Association and the International Association of School Business Organizations.