News Release

WARSAW — Big Brothers Big Sisters recently celebrated its Kosciusko supporters and implored the community to become volunteers at its annual BIG Celebration.

The highlights of the Sept. 30 event were a fashion show featuring Bigs and Littles, along with the presentation of the prestigious Charles D. Smith Award to Trace Hansen.

Held at the Warsaw Community Church, this BBBS annual event specifically benefits its Kosciusko youth mentoring programs. The funds raised through this event go toward the organization and its mission to help local children reach their potential through professionally supported one-to-one mentor relationships.

For years, Kosciusko residents have come together during this one-of-a-kind evening to raise awareness, recruit, and gather funds for youth through a silent auction.

A major event of the night was the awarding of the Charles D. Smith Award. Established in 2015 and named in honor of its inaugural recipient, this accolade recognizes those who demonstrate passionate volunteerism, strong community leadership, and a lifelong commitment to serving others.

Now joining this list of altruistic, passionate, and invaluable leaders is local businessman, Trace Hansen, who is recognized for his numerous contributions to community-oriented, youth-focused, and charitable causes.

Trace remains heavily involved with local organizations such as the Warsaw Breakfast Optimist Club, Joe’s Kids, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Baker Youth Club, the Kosciusko Chamber of Commerce, and the Kosciusko County Visitor’s Bureau.

His business, Hansen’s Eastlake Skating Center, has been a staple in the community as Warsaw’s only skating rink. He’s a sports advocate, entrepreneur, and local leader who puts his heart into everything he does, evidenced by his exceeding generosity and frequent volunteerism.

Several matches from the program spoke at yesterday’s event. The 2025 National Big and Little Sister of the Year, Briana and Makia, shared updates with attendees on their journey to national recognition. The pair was then presented with BBBS letterman jackets sent from Big Brothers Big Sisters of America.

Afterwards, Big Sister Glennie shared her experience being matched with her Little Sister Jerica, whom she was matched with 20 years ago, and her Little Sister of 8 years, Coriana. Finally, guests were treated to a fashion show featuring Kosciusko Bigs, Littles, and children on the waiting list. With fun outfits and shiny new suits, it was all smiles as the pairs struck poses on the runway.

To learn more about how to get involved with Big Brothers Big Sisters in Kosciusko County, contact Tammy Smith at (574) 306-2178. To learn more about our volunteer opportunities, visit the group's website or call (260) 456-1600.

The post Big Brothers Big Sisters host 12th annual Kosciusko celebration appeared first on News Now Warsaw.

WARSAW — To suggest Makia Lucas overcame adversity would be a monumental understatement.

The 18-year-old was 13 when her father, Matthew Lucas, was murdered in his home off Fox Farm Road in Warsaw by his girlfriend, who then attacked Makia’s grandparents

Makia's grandmother died two weeks later from COVID and from lingering trauma from the attack. And soon afterward, inextricably, Makia's infant baby brother passed away as well.

[caption id="attachment_116163" align="alignright" width="420"] Briana Kessler smiles as her Little Sister, Makia Lucas, talks during a Big Brothers Big Sisters function in this undated photo provided by BBBS. The two have been matched for 11 years.[/caption]

But through all of that, Makia found strength and support through school and others, as well as Briana Kessler, whom she was matched with six years earlier through Lunch Buddies, a program operated by Big Brothers Big Sisters of Kosciusko County.

A year later, their bond continued to grow in the more traditional BBBS community program, and they continued to meet regularly

Despite the struggles in her home life, Makia continued to excel and made it a point to improve her life with memories of her father never far behind.

“When children go through a lot of hardships, they go down pretty fast, and I didn’t want to do that. I wanted to make something out of my story," Makia said in an interview for In The Know, the public affairs show you can hear this weekend on Kensington Digital Media radio stations.

"So I pushed myself to the absolute hardest to help every kid who’s going through hardships at a young age and pushing through them,” she said.

Throughout high school, she was an honor student and participated in basketball and track until she was sidelined by injuries.

But that only seemed to motivate her even more.

She received her associate’s degree in criminal justice when she was 17.

She was President of JAG Indiana (Jobs for America's Graduates), participated in Kosckusko County’s Teen Court program, and (with the support of JAG) interned for a year at LITE Recovery Café in Milford.

Makia's father struggled with drug use, which was one of the reasons she wanted to get involved with LITE, a well-established recovery center.

"I just wanted to be on the other side of the system, just helping people instead of being in the prosecutor's office or the courtroom," she said. "I really wanted to work with people and get to learn that side ... people go through the hardest things, and just being there for them."

Earlier this week, she headed to Ball State University for her freshman year where she will continue her studies in criminal justice.

[caption id="attachment_116176" align="alignright" width="300"] Makia and Briana are pictured in this undated photo provided by BBBS.[/caption]

Makia was asked about the impact Briana has had on her.

“She’s helped shape me into the person I am today,” Makia said. ”When we first met, I was like a mute child. I did not talk. I was so quiet. I didn’t talk to anybody besides my family.”

“I absolutely love her. She’s definitely a part of my family and will be for the rest of my life,” she said.

“I always say my favorite thing about her is she just makes everyone around her feel so comfortable," she added.

Briana was asked how she equipped herself to respond soon after the tragedies unfolded.

“I’m by no means equipped to do anything. I have the power of God behind me. I truly believe in God, and I prayed for her a lot,” Brianna said.

On June 12, Briana and Makia were announced as the national Big Sister and Little Sister of the Year at the Big Brothers Big Sisters of America (BBBSA) national conference.

They flew to Philadelphia to receive the award and will now be national BBBS advocates for the next year.

BBBS sees Makia as a testament to what hard work, determination, and support along the way can do for youth.

Tammy Smith, director of development for BBBS of Kosciusko County, said the chaper was "super excited" about the honor.

"It's an opportunity for their story ... to be told and hopefully, it inspires other people to become a Big Brother or Big Sister," Smith said. "There are a lot of kids out there like Makia who just need somebody to show up for them."

*  *  * 

In The Know can be heard at the following times:

News Now Warsaw (99.7 FM and 1480 AM):

Fridays at 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.

Saturdays at 7 a.m. 

Sundays at 7 a.m. & 2 p.m.

WRSW (107.3):

Sundays at 6 a.m.

Willie (103.5 FM):

Sundays at 6 a.m.

The post Little Sister Makia Lucas perseveres amid tragedies while also excelling appeared first on News Now Warsaw.

WARSAW -- Warsaw native Zane Hollar has been selected as Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northeast Indiana’s Big of the Year for 2022.

Each year, the agency selects a Big Brother and Big Sister from one of its 13 counties to honor as “Big of the Year.”

As part of the next step of the Big of the Year process, Zane will be nominated for Indiana State Big of the Year and -- if he wins -- he'll automatically qualify for nationals. 

In the past years, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northeast Indiana has won three National Big of the Year awards. In 2021, its Big Sister of the Year and Big Brother of the Year both hailed from Kosciusko County, with honors going to Big Couple Terry and Sherry Milton as well as Big Sister Wanda Tiltges.

For Hollar, the honor is long overdue, according to a news release from BBBS.

Matched in 2015 through the “School Buddies” program, Zane volunteered to meet with a local child once a week during school lunch. During this time, Hollar formed a bond with his “School Buddy,” Chris, as he helped him with homework and became a trusted confidant.

One year later, Chris asked his mother to transition to the Big Brothers Big Sisters Community-Based Program, where he and Big Brother Zane could meet outside of school for special outings. Chris and Zane have been meeting regularly ever since, and Zane even attended Chris’ high school graduation in 2022.

As per the Big Brothers Big Sisters mission, Zane has worked hard to defend and ignite Little Brother Chris’ potential by helping him keep his grades up and seek job opportunities that fit his interests.

“I remember the first time we walked out together after meeting at Chris’s elementary school,” said Zane. 

“I knew right then that I made the right choice and that I was doing something that was going to have a big impact on my life as well.”

“Over the years, Big Brother Zane has been involved with just about everything at BBBS, as he has been one of our loudest voices promoting growth in his local county – particularly among the younger generation. 

He is a personal donor and works with BBBS on special events, collecting auction items for fundraisers, hosting tables, giving speeches, and helping with recruitment.”

“He is a voice for BBBS within his company and advocates for BBBS nonstop,” said Shelley Schwab, Chief Development Officer. 

[caption id="attachment_75439" align="aligncenter" width="555"] Zane Hollar, left, is pictured with his little "brother," Chris. Photo provided.[/caption]

The post Zane Hollar wins regional BBBS honors appeared first on News Now Warsaw.