BBBSSCO’s Johnson & Wireman Selected Ohio Bigs of the Year

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CHILLICOTHE, OH — Big Brothers Big Sisters of South Central Ohio is proud to announce that two local volunteers have been selected as 2026 Bigs of the Year by the Big Brothers Big Sisters Ohio State Association. The 2026 Community Based Big of the Year is Lisa Johnson, and the 2026 High School Big of the Year is Jacob Wireman.

This annual recognition highlights volunteers who exemplify the life-changing impact of mentorship and the powerful role caring adults play in helping young people reach their full potential. Each year, Big Brothers Big Sisters agencies across Ohio nominate outstanding volunteers who demonstrate exceptional commitment to their Littles and their communities. Lisa Johnson and Jacob Wireman were selected from nominees statewide for their dedication and the meaningful growth they have helped inspire in their Littles.

Ohio Big Sister of the Year, Lisa Johnson, has been involved with Big Brothers Big Sisters of South Central Ohio for many years, first serving as President of the organization’s Board of Directors before becoming a Big Sister herself. For the past seven years, she has been matched with her Little Sister, Rieghlynn, building a relationship grounded in trust, consistency, and unconditional support. In addition to mentoring, Lisa has remained actively involved in agency events and fundraising e orts, including participating alongside her Little Sister in Dance for Kids’ Sake and Bowl for Kids’ Sake. Her dedication to both her match and the mission of Big Brothers Big Sisters reflects the powerful and lasting impact of mentorship.

Jacob Wireman, a 2026 graduate of Southeastern Local School District, was recognized as Ohio High School Big of the Year for his commitment to youth mentorship and service through Big Brothers Big Sisters of South Central Ohio. Jacob fully embraced the experience of being a Big and became a consistent, positive presence in his Little Brother’s life. He regularly recognized needs and took initiative to meet them in meaningful, practical ways. Through a Big Brothers Big Sisters Youth Leadership Summit service project, he also took the lead in helping his school secure bedding to donate to children in need. Through his mentorship, service, and willingness to invest in others, Jacob reflects the mission of Big Brothers Big Sisters and the powerful difference one caring mentor can make in a child’s life.

BBBS School-Based Coordinator and Mentoring Specialist Nicole Pickerrell supports both Lisa’s and Jacob’s matches. When asked about their impact she said, “I know of no one else in this organization who has empowered, ignited and defended their Little’s potential quite like Lisa has. And Jacob genuinely cared about being there for his Little, but what really stood out was how he naturally stepped up and was always looking for ways to give back.”

Big Brothers Big Sisters mentoring programs are proven to create lasting impact for young people. Research shows that youth in the program are more likely to graduate high school with a plan for their future, develop stronger confidence, better relationships, and decision-making skills, and are less likely to engage in risky behaviors.

Big Brothers Big Sisters Ohio State Association represents 16 local agencies with a presence in almost all Ohio counties. Locally Big Brothers Big Sisters of South Central Ohio serves over 700 youth annually in Ross, Pike, Pickaway, Fayette and Highland Counties. As a partner agency of the Paint Valley ADAMH Board and United Way of Ross County, Big Brothers Big Sisters serves youth through Community-Based and School-Based Mentoring programs, creating strong, safe, and meaningful one-to-one relationships that help young people achieve their full potential.

For more information or to learn about how to be involved, visit www.bbbssco.org or call 740-773 2447.