Samantha Mortimer (pictured left) is presented with the 2021 Santa Rosa Big of the Year Award by her Little Kamilla, and BBBSNWFL staff and board member
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Florida (BBBSNWFL) recognized Navarre Big Sister, Samantha Mortimer, as the recipient of the Santa Rosa County’s Big of the Year award. Samantha is a Member Service Representative at Eglin Credit Union in Mary Esther, Fla.
Every year, in each county that BBBSNWFL serves, a Big who has made a significant influence on the emotional growth and development of their Little is presented with the Big of the Year Award.
Mortimer was pleasantly surprised at her office when her Little Sister, Kamilla along with BBBSNWFL staff and board members visited to present her with the award at Eglin Credit Union.
“I have been blessed to be a part of this organization,” says Samantha. “It continues to reward me and I hope my Little gets as much out of it as I do.”
Samantha has provided mentorship and friendship to her Little Sister Kamilla for over two years now. Together, they spend time cooking, baking, going to workshops, attending the ballet, and having tea parties.
When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, Samantha and Kamilla wrote letters to each other, video chatted, texted, and called each other to keep in contact until it was safe for them to see each other in person. Little Sister Kamilla shared with her match specialist that even though she misses Houston, Texas, where she is originally from, she is happy the move allowed her to have Samantha as her Big Sister in her life.
“I can only refer to her as selfless, kind, and a loving Big Sister,” says Match Specialist, Yoselin Morris. “Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Florida truly appreciates everything she has done for Kamilla, and we are looking forward to seeing all the fantastic and amazing things this match will continue to do together.”
To become a defender of potential, visit www.bbbsnwfl.org/get-involved/