Little Sister (mentee) Bella, from Wallingford, and her Big Sister (adult mentor) Sarah Burdicki, from Middletown, took advantage of the swirling leaves and crisp mid-autumn weather when they went on a hike recently at River Highlands State Park in northern Cromwell.

On the trail, the two paused for a few selfies and to reminisce about their 7-year match relationship in the Big Brothers Big Sisters community-based youth mentoring program. Bella, 17, is looking forward to graduating from Mark T. Sheehan High School in Wallingford this spring. Learn more about mentoring and the Big Brothers Big Sisters organization at: www.ctbigs.org.