Sidney Montgomery
A Hero in Our Midst

Sidney Montgomery, a native of Jackson, Mississippi, has always been passionate about introducing people to the simple pleasures that the outdoors offer. As an avid outdoorsman, wildlife enthusiast and an overall big kid at heart, Sidney enjoys teaching and exposing others to wonders of nature. Whether it is relaxing outdoors with his wife, Gloria, and two sons, Brook, 32, and Carson, 27, or trolling for bass in his fishing boat, Sidney finds that the outdoor world opens opportunities to foster and build relationships and can open one’s self to new perspectives.

As a member of the board for the Black Bear Conservation Association, Mississippi Outfitters and Guides Association, and the former Executive Director for the Mississippi River Foundation, Sidney is known as a passionate outdoors conservationist. Sidney is equally passionate about helping people. This is seen through his volunteer work with Big Brothers Big Sisters and numerous conservation groups. His unique way of combining the two passions in his life is what makes Sidney so unique.

Over a year ago, Sidney began volunteering with BBBS of Mississippi through the Amachi Program, a community-based program that focuses on mentoring children of incarcerated parents. When Sidney described his desire to become a Big Brother to help teach a young boy to be a man, Martha Walton, a match coordinator with BBBS of MS, recalled a recent conversation with Alonte, a child of an incarcerated father, who specifically asked for a mentor who could teach him “how to be a man.” And with that, Sidney and Alonte were matched and began an exciting journey of adventure and friendship together.

In the beginning of their relationship, Alonte was skeptical and unsure of what to think of his Big Brother’s fascination with nature. At one of their first outings, the two went fishing together. After reeling in his first bass, Alonte was “hooked.”

Using his strong interest and knowledge of geology and wildlife, Sidney has taken Alonte on nature outings including, arrowhead hunting, bird watching, boating and exploring wooded acreage on Sidney’s four-wheelers. “Mr. Montgomery is a very kind man because he takes me boating and fishing, and he even let’s me drive the boat,” said Alonte, “I’ve learned so much about nature.”

Sidney has also helped Alonte overcome his fear of water and has given him a deep appreciation of nature and the environment. Sidney feels that it is important to expose children to the wonders of nature. He and Alonte visit the local Natural Science Museum, and he also takes Alonte to the bookstore and purchases books on Natural Science for him.

Sidney has also helped Alonte with his schoolwork. This year, Alonte earned Honor Roll status for the first time. Sidney takes Alonte “back-to-school” shopping and ensures he has what he needs to start the school year off properly. Sidney is quick to offer positive reinforcement and give Alonte praise when he does well in school.

As a busy consultant for the Oil and Gas Industry, Sidney frequently has to travel. However, he never loses an opportunity to keep in touch with his Little Brother, and he makes it a priority to send Alonte cards and call him when he’s out of town.

Alonte’s mother, Shannon Anderson, has noticed the impact Sidney has had on Alonte’s life. “I am so thankful to Mr. Montgomery for showing my son, Alonte how much he cares by sending him cards and calling him,” said Shannon. “You just don’t find many people out there like Mr. Montgomery. Alonte’s face lights up whenever he gets a card or phone call from him.”

Sidney and Alonte credit one another for the success they have had as a Big and Little match with BBBS. “Alonte is such a smart kid, and he is so hungry to learn,” explained Sidney.

The two even have a running joke about a brain transplant. Alonte describes it while laughing, “Mr. Montgomery says that he wants my brain because he’s says that I’m so much smarter and his brain’s getting old and won’t be any good in the next couple years. He tells me how smart I am all the time.” Sidney hopes to inspire Alonte to go to college and even apply for a scholarship. At eleven-years-old, Alonte is already focused on becoming an architect, and says, “I want to go to the biggest and best college there is!”