Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) of Broward County announced its 2026 Bigs of the Year in celebration of National Mentoring Month in January, honoring extraordinary volunteers whose commitment, consistency and compassion have made a lasting difference in the lives of local youth.

This year’s honorees include: Big Brother of the Year, Alexander Salow; Big Sister of the Year, Selina Hightower; High School Big Brother of the Year, Josiah Ferguson; High School Big Sister of the Year, Juliana Pineda; Igniters of Big Futures, Broward County State Attorney’s Office; Defender of Potential, Michelle McNab-Hemans; and Employee of the Year: Monica Venegas.

One of the most powerful ways to change the trajectory of a young person’s life is through a consistent relationship with a positive, caring mentor. That’s why adult and high school Bigs, along with educators and exceptional business leaders who champion and defend each child’s potential, are recognized for the indelible impact they have made on behalf of BBBS, the country’s largest evidence-based mentoring organization.

“We are proud to have more than 1,000 active Big and Little matches, so it is quite an accomplishment for these select few individuals and organizations to rise to the top and be recognized at our Big Thank You Breakfast,” said Malena Mendez, President and CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Broward County. “Their level of dedication to the Littles in our program is exemplary and a testament to the mission of our organization. They are true mentors, serving as positive adult role models and guiding their Littles in becoming stronger and more confident, traits they will take with them well into the future.”

For more Good News, read the GOOD NEWS February 2026 Issue at: https://digital.goodnewsfl.org/2026/february/#1