A Lawrence woman’s 11-year involvement mentoring young girls has earned her a state award as Big Sister of the Year.

“I’m flattered beyond words,” said Mary Seyk, who learned last week she had been honored by Kansas Big Brothers Big Sisters. “I feel like what I do is not all that special. I just pay attention to someone, and that’s not hard.”

Seyk, who works at Kansas University Endowment, has been a “big sister” to Shai Jackson, 9, for about five years. Previously, she served as a big sister for four-and-a-half years to another girl in Lawrence, and spent two more years with another girl while living in Austin, Texas.

Seyk said she became a big sister because she loves children but didn’t have any of her own.

Local chapter officials nominated Seyk for the award.

“She’s incredibly involved in our organization and goes above and beyond the call of duty,” said Sarah Taylor, supervision case manager for the Douglas County chapter. “She’s served not only as a Big Sister, but she also has been on our board. Mary is just a very sweet and caring person.”

In the application submitted with the nomination, Tommy Jackson, Shai’s father, said that Seyk is an inspiration to the family.

Big Sister Mary Seyk and Little Sister Shai Jackson spend time together at a fishing clinic held by Big Brothers Big Sisters last year. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Kansas honored Seyk as the Big Sister of the Year for the state.

He said that Seyk helps him teach Shai respect and helped his daughter become a more outgoing person.

Seyk said it’s been an amazing experience to watch Shai mature and grow.

“It’s just incredible to watch,” she said. “What the program is about is befriending a child. It’s about being a consistent element in a child’s life. I think what happens with kids who need that special attention is that they haven’t had that consistency and that’s what I do.

“But I also consider Shai another friend. She just happens to not be old enough to drive yet.”