A youth charity recognised not only its own outstanding mentors but also, for the first time, some of those nominated in the wider community.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Bermuda held its annual Mentoring Month awards ceremony on the steps of City Hall this afternoon.

The 2025 Big Brother of the Year was announced as Matthew Enright, while the Big Sister of the Year was named as Aruna Dismont.

Two new categories were introduced this year for mentors outside the charity nominated by members of the public — two Honourable Mention for Mentor of the Year Awards, and two Mentor of the Year Awards.

Edmond Johnson and Jamillah Lodge picked up the honourable mentions while Annette Glasford and Norris Burgess took home the Mentor of the Year awards.

Cavon Taylor, Mr Enright’s Little Brother, wrote a passage about his mentor saying he could not have hoped for a better match.

He wrote: “We both share a passion for maritime activities … we often like to cook, barbecue and try new recipes. We are a very good pair when we put our minds to anything. We have shared many enjoyable memories and we enjoy helping each other.

“He always has cool fun facts and funny jokes that flex his intellectual ability. He has a vast knowledge of many topics and teaches me new things.

“He is helping me to accomplish my personal fitness goals. Matt is so considerate because he even invented a challenge for me to meet my fitness goals.”

Jaden Place, the Little Sister of Ms Dismont, said that since she has been with her mentor, her life had changed for the better.

Ms Place said: “Aruna came into my life while I was on a path to destruction and helped me to see the light along the way. She has stuck by my side ever since.

“She has really become a big sister to me. I love and appreciate everything she has done for me. She is hard working and she can do anything that she puts her mind to.”

Ms Dismont added: “I have had a plethora of people say I should run in the election.

“I feel like when you really get down to being one-on-one with the people coming up behind us, we do need politicians and laws and government, but being able to affect them on a one-one-one level is going to spread in a different way.

“Jaden makes it easy, she wants to be the best version of herself.”

Ms Glasford’s mentee said that her mentor supported her when everyone else had given up on her, while Mr Burgess’s mentee said his mentor saw something in him, shared life lessons and encouraged him to work hard.

Patrina O’Connor Paynter, the executive director for BBBS, said: “Mentorship is a relationship where someone with experience, knowledge and connections, shares what they have learnt with someone who can benefit from their guidance.

“At some point, we all need a mentor. If you all reflect on your journey, you will likely realise that someone mentored you.

“AT BBBS, we believe in the power of experiences, exposure, opportunities and partnerships all working together through mentorship to make a lasting difference in the lives of Bermuda’s youth.

“We are proud to introduce a new honour. This award will recognise the incredible mentors in our community. Let’s be mentors to our young people in need. Let’s be the change that they deserve. Together, we can change lives. Together we can build a stronger Bermuda.”

Tinée Furbert, the Minister of Youth, Social Development and Seniors, said the charity had been “instrumental in shaping the lives of countless children, offering them support and mentorship they need to thrive”.