OXFORD — The Child Health Center has named Tara Davis the 2009 Oxford County Big Sister of the Year. Davis was recognized for her dedication to the Big Brothers Big Sisters community-based mentoring program and to her Little Sister Baylee at the annual volunteer dinner.

Davis resides in the Oxford area and is a teller at TD Bank in Gray. She was matched with Baylee as part of the community-based mentoring program a year and a half ago. During this time the two have established a strong bond. They have also shared much of their lives, especially Davis, who recently had her first baby.

Baylee said  Davis has been a big part of her life this past year. She said, “At first I was a little apprehensive about being with Tara. But after having one meeting with her alI I could talk about was ‘My Sis.’ I kept saying to myself ‘when will I see her again?’ … I couldn’t stop thinking about her.”

Baylee also said, “Tara always follows through with what she tells me she is going to do. She has always supported me at my yearly cheerleading competitions and my dance recitals.” Baylee said, Josh, Tara’s husband, has been a great part of the relationship. He has spent time with Baylee, helping her with her homework and sharing their deer steaks with her.

Diane Blanchard, Child Health Center coordinator for the community-based program, said, “Tara has not only been a wonderful Big Sister, she has been a great supporter of the program as a whole. She has been especially helpful with Bowl For Kids’ Sake, the annual fundraiser for Big Brothers Big Sisters. Thank you Tara for all your work.”

The Big Brothers Big Sisters program matches adults with young people age 8 to 13. Big Brothers and Big Sisters are volunteers who agree to spend at least six hours a month with their Little. If interested in becoming a Big Brother or Big Sister, call 743-7035.