Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Florida is proud to recognize Sereena Thomson as our 2026 Bigs with Badges Big of the Year. This distinguished honor celebrates Sereena's exceptional commitment to mentorship, her unwavering consistency, and her meaningful impact on the life of her Little Sister Makenzie.
The Bigs with Badges initiative serves as a vital bridge between the youth of our community and those who protect, serve, and support us through their chosen professions. These Bigs include law enforcement officers, firefighters, correctional officers, EMT's, state troopers, state and federal employees, and military personnel who volunteer their time to invest in local youth.
Sereena's dedication to serving others is evident not only through her role as a Big Sister, but also through her professional career. She spent 10 years as a corrections officer with the Florida Department of Corrections and now serves as an investigator with the Florida Department of Children and Families. In both roles, she has demonstrated compassion, integrity, and a deep commitment to supporting families and strengthening her community, values she also brings to her relationship with Makenzie.
Since being matched with Makenzie on Dec. 30, 2021, Sereena has been a steady and encouraging presence in her life. From their first outing at Bayview Park, where they painted together, Sereena has made it a priority to create consistent opportunities for Makenzie to grow in confidence, explore her community, and try new experiences. Over the years, the pair has completed reading challenges together, attended Pensacola Blue Wahoos baseball games, visited Skyzone trampoline park, customized a skateboard, explored the Pensacola Interstate Fair, and shared many other memorable experiences that have strengthened their bond.
As their relationship has grown, so has Sereena's support of Makenzie's goals and development. She has provided motivation and accountability by attending track meets and staying engaged with her school progress. Recognizing Makenzie's passion for animals, Sereena encouraged her to volunteer and intern at a local animal shelter, helping her gain hands-on experience toward her goal of becoming a veterinarian.
Throughout Makenzie's high school journey, Seerena has been a trusted mentor and advocate, offering guidance as she considers her future after graduation. From encouraging her pursuit of higher education to providing recommendation letters for opportunities, Sereena has remained a steady and caring presence in her Little Sister's life. Now, Makenzie is preparing to begin an exciting new chapter at the University of Florida this fall, where she will attend on scholarship.
To celebrate Seerena's well-deserved recognition, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Florida worked with her family and friends to plan a special surprise. Seerena was told she had been selected to speak at the organization's Governing Board meeting, but when she arrived at the Pensacola office on July 2, she was greeted by a room filled with family, friends, and staff waiting to celebrate her. During the surprise gathering, Sereena was presented with the 2026 Bigs with Badges Big of the Year Award in recognition of the extraordinary impact she has made through her mentorship.
On behalf of the staff and Board of Directors at Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Florida, congratulations and thank you, Sereena, for your extraordinary dedication and the lasting difference you have made in Makenzie's life. Your commitment exemplifies the life-changing power of mentorship and the incredible impact one caring adult can have on a young person's future.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Florida has been the area’s leader in one-to-one youth service for 36 years by providing caring, adult mentors to children ages 5-18 and beyond. Our mission is to help children reach their potential through professionally supported, positive relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth. Our ultimate goal is for our Littles to be self-sufficient and earning a living wage by the age of 26. Last year, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Florida served 723 children in Northwest Florida. For more information, visit BeTheBig.org.
