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Congratulations to Florida's Big Sister of the Year
Ann Sheeky of Pasco County!
Age is just a number to Big Sister Ann Sheeky, because at age 78, nothing can slow her down, not even a 16-year-old girl! Five years ago, Ann was matched with Little Sister Kristen. Kristen lives with her grandmother, mother, twin sister, an older sister and brother; her father is not in her life. Because of the personal dynamics in her family, Kristen had become an introverted little girl.
School social workers suggested Big Brothers Big Sisters to the entire family. And although all of the children were at one time matched with a volunteer, Ann was the only one who followed through and had the resolve to not give up and continue to be matched with Kristen.
Despite tough circumstances, Ann knew that she was going to stay with Kristen until she graduated from high school and went to college. They slowly started becoming friends and Ann realized that getting Kristen to believe in herself was going to be a long process, since Kristen suffered from low self-esteem. Ann encouraged Kristen to play a sport to be more active and social. Kristen tried out for the volleyball team and Ann was at every game. This boosted Kristen’s self-esteem and she became more out-going and started making friends.
After being together for two years, Kristen became a different girl. Ann consistently preached to Kristen the importance of believing in yourself in order to accomplish anything in life, including school. Kristen went from a child who was failing and barely attending school to a child who was bringing homework over to Ann’s house to work on. Her grades went up and she is focused on graduating high school, a concept that she never believed in before. Kristen has grown to trust Ann and truly believes that she is her confidante.
Now in their sixth year together, Kristen is a strong, independent 16-year-old young woman with goals and dreams and with Ann’s love and guidance will become everything she was meant to be!
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Big Brother of the Year for Tampa Bay
Neil Armstrong
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In a protective plastic case, Big Brother Neil Armstrong carries a very important item in his wallet at all times. It’s a tiny scraggly piece of paper, written in the shaky handwriting of a 7-year-old, and yes, there are a few spelling mistakes. But there’s no mistaking the sentiment of what’s written on that piece of paper: ‘Neil is a nice guy, he is the nicest one yet’. To Neil it’s priceless.
To understand why Neil is a dedicated Big Brother, you must start at the beginning. Neil grew up in the projects, and his father never really participated in things Neil liked to do. Neil says he grew up as a shy, scrawny kid with little confidence. That is until he met his hockey coach who encouraged him and told him the importance of having an education. After retiring and raising three children of his own, Neil says the lessons he learned from his coach decades ago helped mold him into the person he is today, and that’s what prompted him to become a Big Brother in 2007 to Little Brother Jamaine.
At first, Neil kept most of the activities simple and explored common interests. But before long, Neil was able to introduce Jamaine to new opportunities. He took his Little Brother to his first ever hockey game. Jamaine learned more than just the fundamentals of the sport; it was also a social learning experience. In the process of meeting the players, Neil taught Jamaine to look people in the eye and develop a firm handshake. Already, Jamaine is making strides socially and academically. Jamaine couldn’t wait to show his Big Brother the ‘super improvement’ on his report card.
Two years later, Neil became the Big Brother to Jamaine’s older brother Solomon, when Solomon’s Big Brother could no longer commit to the program. It was a natural transition as Solomon was already familiar and comfortable with Neil. And Neil works hard to make sure both young men are supported—as individuals—by spending one-on-one time with each Little Brother.
Then, only one month later, while attending a recruitment event at a local school, Neil decided he wanted to help out in the school-based program as well. Neil was matched with Little Brother Da’Quavious, who has struggled with his grades and behavioral issues. The two meet every Tuesday and work on reading skills and anger management.
Neil’s volunteerism doesn’t stop there. He calls himself a ‘walking billboard’ for the agency and he’s right! In fact, Neil is part of the Resource Development team at the office and volunteers as a Recruiter, specifically targeting African-American male volunteers. He works with the African-American fraternities and has put together a strategy to target males. He is often asked to be a spokesperson for our agency at various events. In addition to his dedication as a volunteer, Neil is a personal donor and helps in the agency’s fundraising efforts.
Did Neil think ‘retiring’ would be so much work? That’s hard to say. To him, it’s all worthwhile. That little piece of paper reminds him there are more than 600 children in Tampa Bay who want—and need—a Big in their lives. And that’s motivation to keep going.
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We are proud of ALL of volunteers! Thank you for your dedication.
Also honored this month:
Big Brother of the Year--Polk County
Jeff Broadus
Matched with Little Brother Nate (seen here with Mentor Manager Dana Wright)
This match has been going strong for more than two years. They take time to focus on the academics, but there's also time for plenty of fun, too. Both enjoy sports and Big Brother Jeff makes a point to attend all of his Little Brother's baseball games.
Big Sister of the Year--Polk County
Christina Velazquez
Matched with Little Sister Kelly (with Mentor Manager Kathleen Cruz)
Christina met her Little Sister Kelly two years ago. Kelly says her Big Sister is someone she can trust and confide in. The two enjoy helping others and spend time sending birthday and thank you cards to senior citizens.
Big Couple of the Year--Polk County
Tom and Jerri Baroody
Matched with Little Brother Dushay
Tom and Jerri were matched with Dushay more than three years ago. They've had a chance to see him excel academically and socially. Not only are they committed volunteers, they are true advocates and supporters who donate to Big Brothers Big Sisters.
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