On June 17, 2021, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Florida (BBBSNWFL) surprised Panama City Beach Police Corporal, Tiffany McCullough, with the 2021 Virginia Thomas Big of the Year Award at the Panama City Beach Police Department.
Tiffany reached out to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Florida in 2014 and stated that she believed that just one positive person in a child’s life could make a huge impact. Being a police officer, Tiffany has had a lot of interaction with children on the job but stated that these interactions were sometimes so brief that she wanted to do more and provide an ongoing influence to create a true impact.
Tiffany has been a strong, positive, and stable mentor for her Little Sister Daphnee, for the past seven years. Through good times and bad, she has helped Daphnee flourish into the young teenager that she has become today by always encouraging Daphnee to be herself. Tiffany has also done the dedicated work of bringing up Daphnee’s grades and maintaining that success.
Daphnee’s grandmother said that Tiffany has shown so much love to Daphnee and has become very protective of Daphnee’s family. Daphnee has commented that she “loves and trusts” Tiffany and she knows that no matter what, Tiffany will always be there for her.
Tiffany has also worked with the BBBSNWFL agency in helping recruit law enforcement for their Bigs with Badges program: a program to help bridge the gap between law enforcement and local youth.
The award’s namesake is philanthropist Virginia Thomas, whose heart was driven by her passion for opening doors and opportunities for local children who otherwise would never have. Virginia Thomas made a big impact in the Panama City community and in the lives of so many children throughout her life. This award was established to honor Virginia Thomas and celebrate a Big who exemplifies the passion of serving others.
Tiffany understands and encompasses the vision of Virginia Thomas along with the mission of BBBSNWFL. BBBSNWFL thanks Tiffany for all that she has done not only for her Little but for her community. BBBSNWFL is in need of more mentors like Tiffany. Become a Defender of Potential today by visiting www.bbbsnwfl.org or call (850) 433-5437.
