Wednesday, June 14, 2023– West Palm Beach, Fla. – Big Brothers Big Sisters of Palm Beach and Martin Counties recently held their annual Big and Little Awards on Thursday, May 25, at the Manatee Lagoon. New this year, scholarships were awarded powered by FP&L.
Amidst trophies, plaques, videos, grilled-cheese bar, and dessert, friends, family, and supporters gathered on May 25 to cheer the bonds between ‘bigs’ and ‘littles’ that steadfastly represents the nonprofit Big Brothers, Big Sisters of Palm Beach and Martin Counties. The awards dinner was held to honor the successes of the BBBS Littles and those who defend their potential.
The event was held at the Manatee Lagoon in Riviera Beach and set the stage for smiles, laughter, hugs, sentiment, and recognition for the Big & Little of the Year honorees and scholarship award recipients.
“These awards celebrate critical relationships between mentors and youth. This year, FPL has provided these amazing opportunities for Littles to continue their path to success after high school. “said Yvette Flores Acevedo, CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Palm Beach and Martin Counties.
The newly founded Florida Prepaid College Foundation Path to Prosperity Scholarship Program powered by Florida Power & Light offers high school students the opportunity to receive a two-year Florida College Plan Scholarship. Eligible students must meet all the criteria, including being an active member in the mentoring program through Big Brothers Big Sisters of Palm Beach and Martin Counties.
After a short program, the honorees gave personal, heartfelt accounts about the difference the program has meant to their lives because of the ‘matches’ and the life-mentor experiences enjoyed throughout the past year. Following the Big and Little awards, Juliet Murphy Roulhac from FP&L and Jeanni Hawkins from Florida Prepaid College proudly announced the 16 scholarship winners and presented them with an award.
Among the top awards for service and commitment to Big Brothers, Big Sisters Palm Beach, and Martin Counties in 2023 are:
Big Brother of the Year- Hank Henderson
Little Brother of the Year- Damarius Green and laWanda Green*
Big Sister of the Year- Kelly Logan
Little Sister of the Year- Kahmoras Hendrix
Teen Big of the Year- Madeleine Simoneaux
Teen Little of the Year- Messiah Jefferson and Shantrell Thomas
Partner in Potential- Naywona Burnett-Graham,
Partner in Potential- Connections Education Center
Scholarship winners include Tanvir Ahmed, Breyana Brown, Janevea Clayton, Rhianna Ennis, Andree Francis, Karen Garcia, Jennifer Geffrard, Mikayla Gibson, Suzely Jayseus, Jessica Laroche, Dina Medelus, Malachi Nelson, Tatiana Ronelus, Kirley Ross, Miyocha Simeon, and Guerlandy Villanoix. (Schools Represented: Forest Hill High School, Florida Virtual School, The Open Doorway School, Lake Worth High School, Santaluces High School, Suncoast High School, and Inlet Grove High School).
Photo: Malachi Nelson and mentor Terry Tate, Photo by Coastal Click Photography.
About Big Brothers Big Sisters of Palm Beach and Martin Counties:
BBBS provides children facing adversity aged 6-17 with volunteer mentors who serve as positive role models. Since 1986 the organization has provided mentors to children in Martin County and, since July 2010, in Palm Beach County. Big Brothers Big Sisters of America (BBBSA) recognized the Martin County organization in 2007 as one of the 35 best-performing agencies nationwide. Visit www.mentorbig.org to learn more.