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Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Central Carolinas honors one of Channel 9′s own

CHARLOTTE — This week, Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Central Carolinas is celebrating a big milestone. For the past 50 years, they’ve been shaping the lives of kids with the help of community mentors.

The organization serves more than 1,500 kids in Mecklenburg, York and Cabarrus counties. But right now, dozens of kids are on a waitlist because there aren’t enough adults signed up.

Jackie Davis came to BBBS when her son, Ahjahya, was a young elementary student.

“I was trying to find a positive role model for him because me being single, no males around, I was trying to find a male figure for him,” Davis said. “Because guys like to talk about guy’s things to other guys -- not me. He laughs at me when I try to ask him things.”

That was six years ago. Ahjahya is now 16 and he and his mentor, one of Channel 9′s very own, have formed a lasting bond.

>> In the video at the top of the page, Channel 9′s Elsa Gillis shows us a familiar face that received a very special honor Saturday.

(WATCH BELOW: Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Carolinas host day at lake in Cornelius)