For 13-year-old Brianna Jones of New London, a trip to the national Hershey's Track and Field Games would be sweet indeed.

And Nicole Criscuolo of Hamden, who has been filling the role as Big Sister to Brianna since she was 10, has been cheering her along the way as she made the state competition over the past two years but couldn't pass the final hurdle to Hershey, Pa. Competition doesn't daunt Brianna, who also plays softball, basketball and plays trumpet in the Bennie Dover Jackson Middle School band.

"It's great to see her opening up and coming into her own," said Criscuolo, who first started mentoring Brianna while still attaining her master's degree and living in Groton.

"She used to be an introvert," Brianna's mother, Kathy, said. "I think Nicole has had something to do with it."

Jones vied for a regional spot last month at New London High School that would make her eligible for a state meet, which in turn could lead to an appearance in Hershey if she does well enough.

"I get tired just watching," her father, Quincy Jones, said, after Brianna completed a determined sprint around the New London High School track.

Brianna won first place for the standing long jump as well as first in a relay.

Afterward, Criscuolo asked Brianna questions about her recent softball game, and when her graduation was. Her job as a special education teacher moved her to Hamden, but she has continued to work with Brianna, and will do so through her high school years, she said.

For her mentorship, Criscuolo was honored as an outstanding Big Sister in May by Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southeastern Connecticut.

Nicole and Brianna meet at least twice monthly and they also volunteer as a team at Fairview, the Odd Fellows Home of Connecticut in Groton. Community volunteering is encouraged by Big Brothers Big Sisters, said Carolyn Geyer, program manager.

"It's about supporting a child and family through fun, positive activities," Geyer said of Big Brothers Big Sisters, which is the oldest one-to-one mentoring organization in the country. Big Brothers Big Sisters is always looking for volunteers, and adults who possess a positive attitude that supports a child's endeavors.

The bond that exists between Brianna and Criscuolo is one that Brianna's mother hopes will continue.

"I think in the long run she might have a long-term friend into her high school years and outside her high school years - a friendship she can take with her."

Her friendship with Criscuolo, said Jones, could evolve into one of a confidante, as well.

"They talk and chat and I think as she gets older there are things she may not be able to tell her mom but she might be able to talk to Nicole about when she's in high school and college."

Brianna, a middle child with two sisters, enjoys her time with Criscuolo, who provides her with attention that makes her feel special, said her mother.

"She's funny, she's very energetic and likes to do different things" Brianna said of Criscuolo.

People who volunteer to be Big Brothers and Big Sisters often find that the experience has a surprise effect, said Geyer.

"I hear people say a lot that 'I came here to give to a child and I get back more than I give to the child.'"

Volunteers, said Geyer, understand they are there to provide the child with new activities. They also possess good listening skills and the ability to forge a friendship.

"They have fun and play and experience life through the eyes of a child again," Geyer said of the volunteers.

PROVEN SUCCESS

Research shows that Littles who meet with their Bigs regularly for one year are:

52% less likely to skip school

46% less likely to start using illegal drugs

27% less likely to start drinking alcohol

More likely to get along with their family and peers

More likely to get better grades and feel better about school

Source: BBBS of SE CT