Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Florida is proud to announce Billy Merrill Eggart, Superintendent at D.R. Horton Homes, as the recipient of the 2024 Beyond School Walls Big of the Year Award. The Beyond School Walls program, through which Billy has been an extraordinary mentor, aims to empower students by providing invaluable guidance and support as they transition from school to the workforce or higher education. Through partnerships with corporations like D.R. Horton Homes, the program creates mentorship opportunities where students shadow volunteer employee mentors, gaining insights into various professions and developing essential skills for success.

Since November 2023, Billy has generously volunteered his time and expertise as a mentor to his Little Brother Noah. Six and a half months after their initial meeting, they decided to expand their relationship to meet regularly, outside of the structured program activities. From accompanying him to job interviews to helping him get a tuxedo for prom, Billy has consistently shown up for Noah. On behalf of the staff and Board at Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Florida, thank you Billy, for providing your Little with the tools he needs to reach his full potential.

We are thrilled to announce Orlando Navedo as the 2024 Ronald Mobayed Military Big of the Year!  This award honors our military volunteers and is given to a Big whose commitment embodies our mission, as well as the spirit of Lt. Mobayed, this award’s namesake. Orlando, a Defense Paralegal for the U.S. Navy, has been an incredible mentor to his Little Brother Bryan since they were matched in February 2023. From basketball practice to attending games and enjoying meals together, their bond has flourished.

To recognize Orlando for his exceptional mentorship, our staff worked with his colleagues to surprise him with the award at the National Museum of Naval Aviation aboard NAS Pensacola. During the ceremony, Bryan shared heartfelt words: "Orlando, out of all the matches, I was blessed with you. When we first met, I was nervous, but now I feel like a brother to you. You helped me find who I really am, and you inspire me in so many ways."

We want to thank Orlando for his unwavering dedication and congratulate him on this well-deserved recognition!

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Florida is proud to announce Barry Leister as the 2024 Okaloosa County Big of the Year. Since joining our program in December 2020, Barry has been a remarkable mentor to his Little Brother Jeremiah. From their very first meeting, Barry’s positive influence on Jeremiah was clear. During the pandemic, when mentorship was more crucial than ever, Barry rose to the challenge. Despite his job taking him around the world, he consistently made time for Jeremiah through video calls and thoughtful souvenirs from his travels.

Barry and Jeremiah have shared many memorable experiences, including beach outings, basketball games, fishing trips, and their annual Halloween tradition of trick-or-treating. Beyond these enjoyable moments, Barry has instilled in Jeremiah the importance of giving back. He has also emphasized the value of education, goal-setting, and practical life skills.

On July 18th, our staff, in collaboration with Barry’s employers at Hurlburt Air Force Base, organized a surprise award presentation. Barry’s co-workers, his family and Jeremiah’s mother, Audra Ray, were present to celebrate and learn about his unwavering commitment to our organization. On behalf of our board and staff, we extend our deepest gratitude to Barry for his steadfast dedication to equipping Jeremiah with the tools needed to reach his full potential.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Florida proudly announces Shawn Hall as the recipient of the 2024 Escambia County Big of the Year Award. Shawn's unwavering dedication to mentorship and exceptional commitment have profoundly impacted his Little Brother, culminating in this distinguished honor.

With a remarkable 30-year career in the U.S. Marine Corps, Shawn seamlessly transitioned from military service to mentorship, continuing to make a significant difference in the lives of others. His dedication is evident in his consistent presence in his Little Brother Eddie's life over the past two and a half years. The bond they share is built on mutual interests and a spirited sense of competition, enjoying activities such as lifting weights, playing basketball, mini golf, and bowling. Eddie's recent achievement, a Florida Power and Light 2-year prepaid scholarship, underscores the positive influence Shawn has had on his life.

On June 27, 2024, our Governing Board, staff, and Shawn's friends and family gathered at our Pensacola office to surprise him with this well-deserved honor. Thank you, Shawn, for your commitment to empowering youth and providing Eddie with the tools he needs to reach his full potential.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Florida proudly announces Jacqueline Crow as the recipient of the 2024 Virginia Thomas Big of the Year award in Bay County.  Jacqueline and her Little Sister Naomi have shared a remarkable bond since being matched in 2020. Despite the challenges of her military career, Jacqueline has consistently made time for Naomi over the past four years, building a strong and meaningful relationship. When they were first matched, Naomi, then just 8 years-old, was affectionately described by her mother as strong-willed. Jacqueline has approached this trait with care and patience, encouraging Naomi to channel her strength and emerge as a leader. Together, they participate in a variety of activities ranging from holiday traditions to community service projects, instilling in Naomi the importance of giving back and being an active participant in her community.

Jacqueline exemplifies the mission of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Florida, as well as the vision of philanthropist Virginia Thomas, the namesake of this award. Thomas was passionate about opening doors and creating new opportunities for children, making a significant impact in the Panama City community. On behalf of the staff and Board at Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Florida, we extend our heartfelt thanks to Jacqueline Crow for providing Naomi with the tools she needs to reach her full potential.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Florida is proud to present Barbara MacNeil with the 2024 Michael Robidoux Hero Award. Barbara's extraordinary commitment to her Little Sister Harlow exemplifies the true spirit of mentorship, going far beyond the typical role of a Big Sister to instill values of community service and philanthropy in Harlow.

This award was established to honor the legacy of Michael Robidoux, a dedicated Big Brother who mentored his Little Brother Deontrez for over three years. Tragically, Michael passed away on Sunday, March 25, 2018, after saving two young children from dangerous surf at Navarre Beach. In 2019, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Florida decided to commemorate his memory by establishing the Michael Robidoux Hero Award and present it annually to a Big who reflects Michael's selflessness and passion for serving others.

Barbara MacNeil is a deserving recipient of this award. Over the past two years, she has cultivated a deep connection with Harlow through meaningful experiences, including volunteering at the Salvation Army during Thanksgiving, selecting gifts for a child from an "Angel Tree" during Christmas, and participating in beach and park clean-up events.

Barbara MacNeil’s outstanding dedication to mentoring Harlow and improving our community is truly commendable. On behalf of the staff and Board at Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Florida, we extend our heartfelt thanks to Barbara MacNeil for making a positive impact and congratulate her on this well-deserved recognition.

We are thrilled to announce Lieutenant Chris Coram as the 2024 Bigs with Badges Big of the Year!  The Bigs with Badges initiative serves as a vital bridge between the youth of our community and those who protect, serve, and support us through their chosen professions.

Lieutenant Coram, a respected figure within the Bay County Sheriff’s Office, has been a dedicated mentor to his Little Brother Sheriod, since joining the program in 2017. Their bond, which began when Sheriod was just 7 years old, has only grown stronger over the past seven years. Sheriod credits Lieutenant Coram for many positive changes in his life, sharing: "The first day I met him I thought my life would be the same, but it has changed me in the way that I hoped. I've met new people; I've gone to special places and overall, he helps me. I am thankful for him."

On behalf of the staff and Board at Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Florida, thank you Lt. Coram, for providing your Little with the tools he needs to reach his full potential.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Florida is proud to announce Rashell Kelley as the recipient of the 2024 Santa Rosa County Big of the Year award. Rashell has been a mentor to her Little Sister Frankie for nearly three years, and their journey together has been truly inspiring. They were matched during a challenging time in Frankie's life, and their bond has only grown stronger. They spend almost every weekend together, exploring new activities and creating unforgettable memories. From visiting water parks and attending community events to relaxing with Rashell's family, their time together is filled with joy and laughter.

With encouragement from Rashell and Frankie's grandparents, Frankie's reading grades have improved significantly. Rashell has inspired her to strive for excellence and fostered a love for learning. Last summer, Frankie was a standout participant in our summer reading program, completing 14 books. Rashell's guidance has helped Frankie understand the importance of hard work and perseverance, turning challenges into opportunities for growth.

On August 17th, our Bigs and Littles were invited to the Pensacola Police Department for a tour and to learn important lessons about safety. Rashell and Frankie were among the participating matches, and at the end of the session, we collaborated with officers to surprise Rashell with the Santa Rosa County Big of the Year award!  Rashell's dedication, compassion, and unwavering support have profoundly influenced Frankie's growth and development. Their relationship exemplifies the transformative power of mentorship.