BATH

Hyde School senior Catherine Comeaux is back for another year of helping a student at Fisher-Mitchell School who needs her company, and her positive attitude.

In her role as a mentor with Big Brothers/Big Sisters, Comeaux gets together with her “little brother” every Monday after school.

Maybe it’s the gymnasium, maybe it’s outside playing with sidewalk chalk.

The Monday “Bigs & Littles” Program at the school is about to start for the school year.

Last year, Comeaux mentored a young boy.

“She was a very consistent and positive influence for him,” said Aurora Hodgkins, the enrollment and match support specialist for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Bath/Brunswick. “She’s outgoing and very caring. She’s just incredibly patient.”

Big Brothers/Big Sisters says that:

— Of the former Littles surveyed, 81 percent agreed Bigs “gave them hope, and changed their perspective of what they thought possible.”

— Bigs played a role in their decisions to attend college,

67 percent said.

— Bigs instilled values and principles that guided them through life, 83 percent said.

“I think the biggest outcome that we see is students showing more self-confidence,” Hodgkins said. “And we do see better academics.”

Hodgkins credited the administration and teachers at Fisher Mitchell with giving much thought to the matches. The staff recommends students based on their needs for positive interaction, said Dr. Nancy Harriman, school principal.

Big Brothers/Big Sisters and Fisher-Mitchell School need more Bigs and Lunchtime Mentors like Comeaux.

In the school’s Wednesday Lunch Mentoring Program, adults join students for the lunch and recess at midday. Harriman and Suzanne Paule, Fisher Mitchell’s social worker, coordinate the program.

Fisher-Mitchell has been home to the Bigs & Littles Program for years. The Wednesday Lunch Mentoring Program began at the school last year, after a successful run at Dike-Newell School.

Those interested in becoming a mentor can call 443-8265.

lgrard@timesrecord.com