Criminal Justice and a minor in Child & Adolescent Development. She felt such an impact from her friendship with Leibfarth that she recently began mentoring her own little friend, eight-year old Cameron Schurlock. “Honestly, if I wasn’t in the program when I was little I don’t know if I would be a big friend now,” she said with a smile. I turned to Leibfarth, asking if it made her feel proud to have made such an impact on someone’s life that they want to carry the friendship forward. She agreed, nodding eagerly. As Flynn’s mentor over the years, Leibfarth planned many outings: attending a variety of school functions, dining out, school plays and Lewis & Clark Theatre plays. They made a strong commitment to celebrate birthdays and attend the BFLF Fun Functions, monthly events held where all of the BFLF families get together to do something fun such as kayaking, archery, bowling and parties. During Flynn’s middle school years, Leibfarth took her to high school functions to show her the activities they had to offer. As Flynn grew older and shifted into high school, Leibfarth took her to college functions for her own kids, giving her a taste of college plays and sorority houses. Leibfarth explained that her husband Pete and her two kids welcomed her friendship with Flynn. Her own children spent time with the young girl, to them Flynn & Schurlock it was like having a little sister. Flynn enjoyed interacting with the Leibfarth family. She reflects back, stating, “I got to do different things with her that I probably otherwise wouldn’t have done.” Having so many memories together, their best memory was the anticipation of what they were going to do for their next get-together. Flynn is setting out to make a whole new batch of memories with her own little friend, Cameron Schurlock. Schurlock and his family moved to Yankton from Denver, Colorado a few years ago. I asked him if he liked Yankton. Soft spoken he said, “I like it.” He smiled and explained why he likes McDonald’s better back in Denver. “Whenever you go to McDonald’s you get Bronco’s cups.” I can surely see why that would be important to the little Broncos fan who I am sure is ecstatic about their Superbowl win this year. Schurlock likes to play football, participates in wrestling and stated on his BFLF interview sheet that he wants to be a soccer player when he grows up. Schurlock has friends in the BFLF program as well as an older brother who also participates. He said they all seem to really like it. How did Schurlock feel when he found out he was matched with Flynn for a big friend? “Happy,” he beamed. “Really, really happy.” Simply stated but I understood clearly. It was amazing for me to see that Leibfarth’s kindness in spending time with Flynn as a young girl influenced her to carry this forward to another youth. Three generations of friendships were sitting right in front of me. Though Flynn and Schurlock, having recently been paired up, are just beginning on their friendship journey, they already have many plans. They have attended a BFLF Fun Function and have spent some time together, their first outing a trip to Dairy Queen. Flynn thought they could make a “bucket list” together, ideas that were non-gender specific that they would vBIG FRIEND continued on page 20 Remembering School Days Has been selected for the 2016 Yankton Riverwalk. 34 inch high bronze sculpture by TR Chytka 30 Marquettes are available in limited edition from the artist. Reserve your number now! Send ½ deposit to: TR Chytka Bronze 11635 Valley 1 Road, Belle Fourche SD 57117 Balance due on delivery 4-6 weeks. 16 inches high. $2,200 incl. tax & shipping For more info call 605-892-2122. www.trchytkabronze.com HERVOICEvMARCH/APRIL 2016v13