Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Sun Coast Announces its 2019 Big Brother & Big Sister of the Year

 Ms. Victoria Phillips and Mr. David Rengifo have been selected as the 2019 Big Brother & Big Sister of the Year. It is a thrill and honor to have Victoria and David represent the organization as the Big Brother and Big Sister of the Year.

The day Victoria came in for her interview, we knew that she and Sama would be a perfect match. They had similar interests and, more importantly, they had a similar sense of humor.

“Sama and I are lucky to have found each other. Our friendship has been mutually beneficial, and more emotionally impactful than I could have ever imagined. I am honored to be in her life, to help her see the abilities within herself, to listen, and to give her a bigger picture of the world.  In turn, she has helped me to learn and grow and to appreciate life’s differences. I am forever grateful to have been given this opportunity,” states Victoria.

David met Robiel when Robiel was 12 years old. With David’s help, Robiel was able to put his life back together. He is now a high school senior on track to graduate in May. 

“I am very proud of Robiel and the young man he has become. He has taught me the art of patience and tolerance, which I know now that I had only dabbled in before. Being a Big Brother has built up my own self-confidence.  In teaching Robiel, I in turn have become a kinder, more aware and all-around better person,” states David.

Victoria and David’s application will be submitted to Big Brothers Big Sisters Association of Florida along with other Bigs of the Year applications submitted from the agencies in Florida. The State Association’s panel of judges selects one Big Brother and one Big Sister who will represent the State of Florida.

For over 50 years, Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Sun Coast has been matching youth in meaningful, enduring, professionally supported mentoring relationships with adult volunteers who defend their potential and help them achieve their biggest possible futures. Big Brothers Big Sisters’ evidence-based approach is designed to create positive youth outcomes, including educational success, avoidance of risky behaviors, higher aspirations, greater confidence, and improved relationships. This past year, Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Sun Coast has served over 1,800 youth across a 10 county footprint. Learn how to get involved at bbbssun.org.