2022 GRADUATES
DARIUS Matched with Casey for 5 years
“I am most proud of the connections that I have built through high school. These connections made the experience so much easier.”
IN 1 YEAR, I SEE MYSELF: studying Psychology at the University of Tennessee in Chattanooga.
THE BEST ADVICE MY BIG GAVE ME: How important it is to push everything aside and focus on what will better benefit you for the future.
MY BIG’S SUPERLATIVE:
MEET THE CLASS OF 2022 MARCUS Matched with Jackie and John for 12 years
“I am most proud of my social skills.”
IN 1 YEAR, I SEE MYSELF:
MY BIGS’ SUPERLATIVE:
in college at Middle Tennessee State University.
Cheer Squad
“It’s been meaningful to share life with an amazing human being from the time he was six to now being eighteen! Watching life through Marcus’ eyes has truly opened us up to experiences and knowledge we might not have otherwise had. Truly grateful to be a part of such a phenomenal person!” – Marcus’ Bigs, Jackie and John
Best Dressed.
MY BIG’S SUPERLATIVE FOR ME: Most Outgoing and Supportive Friend.
“I have learned resilience from Darius. While he has a great support system, he has missed the connection of a constant father figure in his life. However, he is able to look past that and voices his appreciation for me and the other male figures in his life regularly. It has been rewarding to see Darius grow up from when he was in middle school to now graduating. He has gone through the application and decision-making processes of choosing a college and I couldn’t be more proud of him. My Little has grown and matured so much over the years.” – Darius’s Big, Casey “My son has grown tremendously being a part of this program. He started off with behavior and mental issues before he became a part of this amazing program. He has been doing amazing since he has been matched with his Big Brother, and Casey has been an amazing asset to our family. Thank you everyone who played a part in my son’s life.” – Darius’s mom, Katashai
ISAIAH Matched with Stephen and Kimberley for 12 years
“I am most proud of managing my time in school and work, which has positioned me to graduate high school and begin my posteducation at Tennessee College of Applied Technology.”
IN 1 YEAR, I SEE MYSELF: halfway through my post education, employed in an automotive field, and enjoying life.
ADVICE FROM MY BIG:
Always go for what you want and never be afraid to go for something big and new.
MY BIGS’ SUPERLATIVE:
Best Friend (I can always come to)
PIERRA Matched with Sara for 7 years
“I am most proud of making it onto honor roll after dealing with chemo my freshman year, and the fact that I will be graduating with distinction.”
in nursing school at Middle Tennessee State University, working hard to make sure I can help people like I was helped.
“I am most proud of getting into college and receiving scholarships.”
IN 1 YEAR, I SEE MYSELF:
MY BIGS’ SUPERLATIVE:
in college at Tennessee State University.
Sweetest Person
Super Sister
MASON Matched with Erwin IN 1 YEAR, I SEE MYSELF:
for 1 year
“I am most proud of getting the Chair position in the service committee, which made me a Student Council Officer.”
That sometimes to be happy in life, we need to let go of people or things.
for 1 year
MY BIG’S SUPERLATIVE:
SARAH Matched with Kendra ADVICE FROM MY BIG:
IMANI Matched with Kristen
IN 1 YEAR, I SEE MYSELF:
for 5 years
“I am most proud of the fact that I am graduating, got a good job, and am hopefully moving soon.”
in college!
IN 1 YEAR, I SEE MYSELF: living in Florida, preferably St. Petersburg.
ADVICE FROM MY BIG: Learn new things, stay active, and don’t get in trouble.
SHAWNICE Matched with Katelyn for 8 years
STEPHANIE Matched with Catherine for 2 years
“I am most proud of getting accepted into all three of my top university choices.”
IN 1 YEAR, I SEE MYSELF:
ADVICE FROM MY BIG:
a freshman in collage, majoring in nursing.
How to manage my time wisely, especially with a compacted schedule.
“There are so many things I admire about Stephanie, and the way she juggles so much so well has taught me the importance of balance in my own life. I have enjoyed being able to witness this wonderful and challenging part of her life. – Stephanie’s Big, Catherine
“Shawnice has taught me so much about resilience. This girl doesn’t give up no matter her circumstances, and she inspires me every day to press on when things get hard. Our conversations have had the biggest impact on me. Just the openness and learning from each other and holding space for each other to learn, adapt, and grow in our relationship. I am just so proud of the woman I have watched her grow into. She’s smart, loyal, and will always go out of her way to make you feel appreciated. I watched her conquer and overcome so much over the last few years and I cannot wait to see her graduate and do big things in this world!” – Shawnice’s Big, Katelyn
CONGRATULATIONS Ja’nya matched with Tiffany for 12 years.
Tayshaun matched with Neil for 5 years.
Victoria matched with Adaoma for 2 years.
Milton matched with Allen for 2 years.
Kenneth matched with Michael for 2 years.
Tamia matched with Jamie for 12 years.
JaQuoya matched with Jeanette for 5 years.
Brady matched with Asante for 2 years.
Sosana matched with Rachel for 2 years.
Lilian matched with Ashley for 2 years.
Isaiah matched with Stephen for 11 years.
Mia matched with Rachel for 5 years.
Aaron matched with Miles for 2 years.
Tyler matched with Hannah for 2 years.
Melat matched with Samantha for 2 years.
Catherine matched with Jamie for 10 years.
Mason matched with Erwin for 5 years.
Adib matched with William for 2 years.
Victor matched with Taylor for 2 years.
Adrian matched with Ethan for 9 years.
Philliance matched with Shelby for 5 years.
Amina matched with Marissa for 2 years.
Akia matched with Brandee for 2 years.
Miriam matched with Elizabeth for 2 years. Sandy matched with Marcy for 2 years.
Shawnice matched with Katelyn for 9 years.
La’Shandria matched with Amy for 4 years.
Angelica matched with Kayla for 2 years.
Arely matched with Laura for 2 years.
De’Osha matched with Tracy for 9 years.
Laikyn matched with Kristin for 4 years.
Ayomide matched with Tyler for 2 years.
Baneen matched with Jessica for 2 years.
Austin matched with Gary for 8 years.
Cadasia matched with Mia for 2 years.
David matched with Jeff for 2 years.
Brian matched with Andrew for 2 years.
Mariah matched with Julia for 8 years.
Anelsy matched with Katherine for 2 years.
Don matched with Katheryn for 2 years.
Daniela matched with MK for 2 years.
Meaco matched with Barrett for 8 years.
Collins matched with Lester for 2 years.
Faith matched with Kim for 2 years.
Demiana matched with Lexie for 2 years.
Marcus matched with Jacilynne for 8 years.
Cheyenne matched with Brittany for 2 years.
Gaberiela matched with Anna for 2 years.
Diana matched with Sarah for 2 years.
Christopher matched with Steve for 8 years.
Helen matched with Jennifer for 2 years.
Genesis matched with Ashley for 2 years.
Emily matched with Olivia for 2 years.
Mychael matched with Patrick for 7 years.
Imani matched with Domekia for 2 years.
Huda matched with Tiffany for 2 years.
Gabriel matched with Carrie for 2 years.
Shakiria matched with Big Susan for 7 years.
Jessica matched with Meghan for 2 years.
Jennifer matched with Shannon for 2 years.
Imani matched with Kristen for 2 years.
Jaylon matched with Vishnu for 7 years.
Leah matched with Abby for 2 years.
Kevin matched with Ivan for 2 years.
Ja’keria matched with Autumn for 2 years.
Pierra matched with Sara for 6 years.
Rose matched with Amber for 2 years.
Lidia matched with Kelsey for 2 years.
Jorge matched with David for 2 years.
Darius matched with Casey for 5 years.
Nariyah matched with Jakayla for 2 years.
Mary matched with Savannah for 2 years.
Josselin matched with Adabella for 2 years.
Sarah matched with Kendra for 2 years. Stephanie matched with Catherine for 2 years. Takai matched with Breanna for 2 years. Tykia matched with Karen for 2 years. Tyr matched with Evan for 2 years.