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.

Kids Say the Darndest Things

When asked about her Big Sister Alyvia said "She is a trillion billion times fun!" .

When asked what he would do if he was given 3 wishes, Jorge a 1st grader at Sandy Lane Elementary, said that he wanted to be the "smartest man in the world", for "peace to anyone who is fighting" and finally he said he would "want to set the Genie free so he didn't have to live in that tiny lamp anymore."