2012 Bigs of the Year  

Community Based Big Sister of the Year - Leona Hamrick 

Big Sister Leona Hamrick and Little Sister Amanda have been matched since April of 2002. For nearly 10 years, this pair has seen each other through many of life's changes. When they first met, Amanda was in elementary school, but as Amanda entered her early teens, she began associating with the wrong crowd, performing poorly in school, and making bad choices in her personal life. Luckily, her Big Sister Leona was there to help turn her life around. With guidance from Leona, Amanda enrolled in online classes and graduated from high school early. Today she is on her way to earning a college degree, with career goals in mind and a bright future ahead of her.

Over the years, Big Sister Leona helped Amanda with just about everything from school work, finding employment, applying to college, and occasionally driving her to class. Through it all, this match has been there for each other for almost 10 years. Little Sister Amanda and her mother are like family to Big Sister Leona and says she, "feels like there would be an empty place in her heart had she never been matched with her Little Sister."   

Community Based Big Brother of the Year - Richard Perry

Big Brother Richard Perry and Little Brother Andrew have been matched since September of 2009. Since being matched, Big  Brother Richard has helped Andrew with his difficulties in peer relationships and failing grades in school. Andrew continues to progress; he is learning to be respectful of  others, and his class participation and behavior have improved tremendously throughout the years. He recently won an award for his hard work and determination during the 2010-2011 school year.

In 2010, both of Andrew's grandparents passed away within several months of each other. Big Brother Richard has stayed by Andrew's side through the death of his grandparents, transitional living situations, and continues to be part of his life, now in foster care. Richard has undergone all additional background screenings and trainings required by the foster care facility without any objection. He visits Andrew weekly in foster care and they talk on the phone between visits. Richard is determined to be there for Andrew and refuses to give up on him, stating that "he is willing to do whatever is necessary of him to stay his Little Brother's mentor."  

Community Based Big Couple of the Year - Doug Spiker & Christine Battista

Big Brother Doug Spiker, Big Sister Christine Battista, and Little Brother Garion have been matched since October of 2008. When this match was paired, Little Brother Garion was living in Dunedin, but has since moved 6 times within 3 years, and now lives in south St. Petersburg. This Big Couple constantly works with their Little's mother to establish more stability for the family; including their living situation, schools and health care. When the couple noticed that Garion was having health issues, they made him a doctor's appointment and drove both he and his mother to the clinic. This past summer, the Big Couple arranged for both Garion and his brother to attend summer camp so that they would remain active and supervised.

Matched with positive role models, Garion has made remarkable improvements in his reading ability, overall interest in school, grades, and general outlook on his future. This Big Couple is determined to remain in Garion's life no matter where he is, and regard him as a member of their family.

School Based Big Sister of the Year - Demetria Johnson

Big Sister Demetria Johnson and Little Sister Rosemarie have been matched since March of 2007. Within the first couple of outings, Big Sister Demetria noticed that Rosemarie had difficulties communicating and slurred speech due to sucking her thumb. Others had trouble understanding Rosemarie, but her Big Sister quickly became the only one who could identify with her words. Demetria started helping Rosemarie with her reading skills and using polite manners. Over the years, Rosemarie has improved progressively; now showing her determination to read and finish books completely.

Before being matched with Big Sister Demetria, Rosemarie was headed down a road of frustration. Her Big Sister was able to connect with her, and get her to focus on what was important - school and behavior. After more than 4 years of having a consistent and patient Big Sister, Rosemarie has shown huge improvements in school work, test scores and a positive change in her attitude. Today, Big Sister Demetria continues to visit with Rosemarie at school; currently in 5th grade. Witnessing what a pleasant young lady Rosemarie has become is pure enjoyment for Big Sister Demetria. She has found both a friend and "true Little Sister".  

School Based Big Brother of the Year - Bill Walsh 

Big Brother Bill Walsh and Little Brother Jeremie have been matched since November of 2008. Jeremie was in desperate need of a male role model in his life and quickly grew close to his Big Brother, Bill. Jeremie looks forward to his weekly visits and several of his teachers have stated that his behavior is always better on the days that Bill visits him. Jeremie's third grade teacher even stated that he would start talking about his Big Brother's Thursday visits on Monday. Bill stays in close contact with Jeremie's teachers and helps with any behavioral problems that arise.

Besides serving as a great role model to Jeremie, Bill is a strong advocate for the Big Brothers Big Sisters program. Bill works for the Tampa Bay Rays and within his workplace; he has recruited several other BIGS by speaking of his experiences with Jeremie. For over 2 years, Bill has made a real difference in the life of a child, and by telling others about his experiences, he has made this possible for several other children as well.

High School Big of the Year - Caitlin Bryant

Big Sister Caitlin Bryant and Little Brother Dylan have been matched since October of 2009. Dylan's mother wanted him to have a mentor at school that would encourage him to do his best and to improve on his behavior in class. His teachers needed him to work on developing peer relationships, staying focused, and having better behavior in the classroom.

Matched with a positive Big Sister, Dylan has made tremendous improvements in his grades, behavior, and social skills. Because of his Big Sister, he now enjoys school and is making new friends. The relationship has not only helped Dylan, but it has also helped Big Sister Caitlin, who struggles with a disability. She now realizes that she can do anything she sets her mind to and will be attending college after she graduates from high school this year. Big Sister Caitlin has not only been a role model to Dylan, but to her peers as well. In her school, she speaks about the Big Brothers Big Sisters program often, in hopes of recruiting more High School BIGS. By serving as a role model to a younger child, Caitlin has made a real difference for a boy who needed guidance and improved her own outlook on life at the same time.

Children Currently in the Queue

Clearwater: 21 girls, 36 boys

Dunedin: 1 girl, 9 boys

Largo: 16 girls, 25 boys

Indian Rocks Beach: 1 boy

Oldsmar: 3 girls, 3 boys

Palm Harbor: 1 girl, 8 boys

Pinellas Park: 2 girls, 16 boys

Safety Harbor: 3 boys

Seminole: 2 girls, 6 boys

St. Pete: 40 girls, 128 boys

Tarpon Springs: 11 boys

We also have more than 100 children who have asked for a Big in our School Based program, in which our volunteers meet with a child at their elementary or middle school for one hour per week.  This program is ideal for someone who needs a consistent schedule to meet with their Little Brother/Sister and has time during the day.  Some of our School Based Bigs choose this program because they want to invest their lunch break one day a week, or they have kids at home but they still want to get involved.

Do you have friends or colleagues who are interested in getting involved with Big Brothers Big Sisters?  If you would like to host a recruitment drive or lunch and learn at your office, place of worship, networking group or social club, please contact Christa at ChristaW@bbbspc.org or 727-518-8860 x227.   

Mike Alstott Sports Day

Big Brothers Big Sisters would like to thank everyone that participated in Mike Alstott's Sports Day on Saturday December 17th at St. Petersburg Catholic. BIGS and Littles from Pinellas, Hernando, & Citrus Counties enjoyed a fun-filled day of football clinics, cheerleading lessons, games, face paintings, music, autograph sessions and photos with Mike Alstott.  

Bank of America Student Leaders Program

The Bank of America Charitable Foundation's Student Leaders® Program is accepting applications for the 2012 program. This program has recognized more than 1,600 outstanding high school juniors and seniors with a passion for improving their communities. Students will gain a better understanding of how nonprofit organizations create an impact in the community and develop as the next generation of community leaders through two components:

• A eight-week paid 2012 summer internship with selected nonprofit organizations designed to provide opportunities for the students to develop and apply leadership skills through hands-on work experience, while raising their awareness of community issues addressed by their host organization.
• A week-long all-expense paid Student Leadership Summit in Washington, D.C., July 15-20, 2012. Conducted in partnership with the Close Up Foundation, the Summit introduces students to aspects of civic, social and business leadership and provides them with knowledge and skills they will use throughout their life to create positive community change.

The application deadline for Bank of America Charitable Foundation's Student Leaders Program is January 25, 2012

For more information on the Bank of America Charitable Foundation, please visit the Bank of America Student Leaders website at http://www.bankofamerica.com/foundation/index.cfm?template=fd_studentleaders. For any additional questions contact Michele Dunaway at michele@211tampabay.org or (727) 210-4233 ext. 4206.   

How much money should I spend on an outing?

Canopy Tree Climbing

10:00am  

Lakeview Presbyterian Church  

1310 22nd Ave. S.

St. Petersburg, 33705

Climbers 6 and older can ascend into the heights of a live oak using harnesses and a rope pulley system similar to those used in the Amazon rain forests. Organized by Pathfinder Outdoor Education. Price: $10.  For information, call (727) 328-0300.

Aesop's Fables  

1 Year

Matthew Williams & Emmanuel ● Sable Davis & Alexis ● Velecia McDannel & Whitlea ● Kristin Bunch & Taniyah ● Caleb Lane & Marquale ● Jason Meyers & Davonta ● Lisa Torres & Tori ● Syrena Jones & Bre'niyah ● Marcela Pontecorvo & Tasia ● Phillip Still & Tahj ● Lelise Christensen & Alexis ● Jay Wenzel & Nicholas ● Mac Russell & Kelvin ● Kurt and Marcia Irmischer & Austin

2 Years

Wesley Flagler & Kentrail ● Stephanie Barnes & Alexandra ● William Gregory & Devin ● Burke Hedges & Gardner ● Dianna Schluter & Gabrielle ● Carrie Williams & Sierra ● Cathleen Hughes & Nevaeh ● Robert and Roberta Stevenson & Colentae

3 Years

Michael Gill & Joshua ● Miles Gomis & Isaiah ● Ryan Emory & Elijah

4 Years

Debbie Jordan & Lauren

5 Years

Laney Pitt & Brianna ● George D. Root III & David ● Travis Bell & Brandon ● Katherine Bacon & Kenishia ● Lindsey Bettendorf & Tavyla

6 Years

Russ Widger & Nasco

7 Years

Robert Lufkin & Ryan

8 Years

Michael Hynes & Jeremiah

Please visit our online database to see if your employer has a matching program. If they do not, please reach out to your Human Resources department or business owner to inquire about starting one. Big Brothers Big Sisters can work with your organization to set up a matching program, or direct payroll deductions.