COLUMBIA, SC — Brett Bostic and Julia Evans are no fans of sibling rivalries.

The two area residents have been named Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Columbia’s Big Brother and Big Sister of the Year and were formally recognized during a reception in January to mark National Mentoring Month.

Bostic is a client adviser at BMW of Columbia. He has been paired with his “Little Brother,” CJ, since June 2009. The two bonded over their love for sports.

“Our favorite things to do are go to the movies or watch the South Carolina Gamecocks play,” CJ said. “When I need advice I can always count on Brett to give me great advice. I’m glad to have him in my life. He is my brother and I love him.”

Evans is an administrative assistant for the Richland County EMS and Fire Marshal’s offices. She has been paired with her “Little Sister,” Breyonne’, since January 2010. The two enjoy bowling, going to the ballet, trips to the park or reading together.

“I appreciate Julia very much for all the fun times we have together,” Breyonne’ said during the recent reception.

Bostic also has been named South Carolina Big Brother of the Year and will compete for the national Big of the Year title that will be announced in May.

The Big Brother and Big Sister of the Year honorees are nominated by Big Brothers Big Sisters’ case managers and voted on by the staff and by the board’s program committee. They must have worked with their Little Brother or Little Sister for at least two years.

“Julia and Brett exemplify the spirit, commitment and loyalty of the more than 200 individuals who volunteer with our agency each year,” said Heidi Johnson, president and CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Columbia. “Our work would not be possible without the volunteers who give of their time and talent to change the lives of children for the better, forever.”

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Columbia provides children facing adversity with enduring, professionally supported one-to-one relationships. The organization works with parents/guardians, schools, corporations and others in the community and carefully pairs children with screened volunteer mentors while monitoring and supporting those relationships

Big Brothers Big Sisters served 277 children in Richland and Lexington counties last year.