Pensacola, Fla — Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Florida is proud to announce Ginny Cranor as the 2023 Beyond School Walls Big of the Year. Ginny Cranor is the Chief of the Pensacola Fire Department and is responsible for strategic planning, administration, and operation of 7 divisions, 6 fire stations, and more than 130 men and women. Chief Cranor has graciously shared her time by volunteering as a mentor with our Beyond School Walls program since the Spring of 2022.
The Beyond School Walls program is aimed at helping students improve their chances of graduating and transitioning to the workplace and/or post-secondary education, vocational or military. Our corporate partners, such as the City of Pensacola, open the doors of hope and opportunity for students, by allowing them to shadow volunteer employee mentors in the workplace for a few hours each month during the school year.
Chief Cranor has been a positive influence in her Little Sister Deryn’s life for the past year. During their visits, they’ve discussed school and career goals and how to overcome personal challenges. Chief Cranor has also shared the importance of community service with her Little Sister, by volunteering at the Manna Food Pantries warehouse. When Deryn was asked to share a little about her relationship with her Big Sister and what made her worthy of this award, Deryn stated: “Over the past year I have had the privilege of knowing Ginny, being her Little Sister has given me the opportunity to learn from a dedicated and compassionate person, which has impacted who I’ve grown to be and who I’ll strive to become. She’s incredibly supportive and such a kind person.”
Chief Cranor has gone above and beyond her duties as a Big Sister and has truly shown how just a small commitment for a few hours a month can make a Big impact on a child’s life. On behalf of the staff and Board at Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Florida, thank you, Chief Cranor for providing your Little with the tools she needs to reach her full potential.