Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Florida Recognizes Suzanne Wilks as 2026 Beyond School Walls Big of the Year
Pensacola, FL - Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Florida is proud to announce Suzanne Wilks as the 2026 Beyond School Walls Big of the Year. This award recognizes a mentor who has made a lasting impact through consistent support and meaningful guidance in helping a young person prepare for their future.
Suzanne joined our Beyond School Walls program in October 2024, the first year of our partnership with the University of West Florida, where she is an employee. At that time, she was matched with her Little Sister Carolyn, who began the program as an 11th grade student at Pensacola High School. From the beginning, Suzanne stood out
not only for her reliability, but for the way she fully embraced the purpose of the program. Through the workplace-based mentoring sessions at UWF, she showed up with intention and begin laying the groundwork for Carolyn's future. Much of their time was spent on practical preparation, including resume writing, interview practice, scholarship applications, and researching post-secondary opportunities.
After eight months of consistent mentoring in Beyond School Walls, Suzanne and Carolyn transitioned into our community-based program. This step allowed their relationship to grow beyond the workplace and into shared experiences in the community, including meals together and outings such as a Pensacola Blue Wahoos baseball game, Carolyn's first experience attending a semi-professional baseball game and a special shared memory.
As their relationship continued to grow, so did Carolyn's progress toward her future. With Suzanne's steady support, Carolyn was accepted into the University of North Florida, where she plans to study psychology and civil engineering. She also earned the Florida Prepaid College Foundation Path to Prosperity Scholarship, powered by Florida Power & Light in 2025. Reflecting on her experience, Carolyn shared, "She has helped in a lot of ways, and she still is, but definitely making sure I'm 100% comfortable with what I commit myself to. She supports me mentally and emotionally, not just academically."
Their connection reflects the heart and purpose of the Beyond School Walls program: connecting students with mentors who provide real-world guidance, encouragement, and accountability as they prepare for life after high school.
On behalf of our board and staff, Suzanne, thank you for your time, heart, and dedication to mentoring. Because of you, Carolyn's future is brighter, and our community is stronger.
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 25. Last year, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Florida served 723 children in Northwest Florida. For more information, visit BeTheBig.org.