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Big and Little of the Year, Norm and Tyjon
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When 9-year-old Tyjon met Norm Boyd through Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Cincinnati, he wasn’t sure about it. He was a restless only child being raised by a single mom, heading down a risky path, “running the streets,” he says, with people who he knew he shouldn’t be. Along came Big Brother Norm—a retired engineer 5 decades older—Tyjon was understandably skeptical. “I thought, ‘This guy cannot keep up with me,’” Tyjon says. Norm proved him wrong on day one—leaving Tyjon and a friend far behind on a hilly bike ride. “I started calling him ‘Not Norm,’ like ‘not normal,” Tyjon said. “He was different. In a good way.”
That early impression was the start of a life-changing friendship—one that recently earned Norm and Tyjon the title of 2025 National Big Brother and Little Brother of the Year from Big Brothers Big Sisters of America. Tyjon’s mom had signed him up for the program in hopes of finding a strong and positive male role model. She asked for someone over 25. Norm was not only older—he had the experience of raising two kids and coaching youth soccer. He wanted to give back and was ready for the commitment. “I didn’t think about race or age,” Norm said. “He was a kid who needed support. That’s all that mattered.” The two bonded quickly through fun get togethers—going to Bengals games, museums, and playing sports. As Tyjon got older, their conversations deepened, covering relationships, school, and what the future might bring. They’ve shared many adventures—horseback riding, kayaking, and eventually a challenging hiking and backpacking trip. “No phones, no distractions,” Tyjon said. “That trip changed my perspective. It made me appreciate the little things. In the early days of their match, Norm’s job had him traveling, but he remained a consistent presence for Tyjon. Once he retired, their Saturdays together became a tradition. “Norm showed up every week,” Tyjon said. “And , just by his example, he taught me how to carry myself, how to treat people, how to become a man.” Norm says the relationship impacted him just as deeply. “I thought I was helping a kid,” he said. “But it enriched my life in ways I never expected. It touched our families, our friends—there was a ripple effect.” Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Cincinnati supports nearly 1,000 children and families every year. Most matches last around four years. But Tyjon and Norm have stayed connected for nearly a decade—and counting. Tyjon plans to give back. Whether through working with kids, coaching, or volunteering, he’s focused on making sure he’s making a difference. For sure, he wants to become a Big Brother. “I want to pass on what Norm gave me,” he said. “I want to start a tradition—Norm was my Big, I’ll be a Big, and I’ll encourage my Little will be one too, to keep it going.” And Norm? “He’ll always be my Grand Brother,” Tyjon said. “And one day, I know he’ll be a Great Grand Brother to my kids.” |
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#BIGGERTOGETHER
Our one-to-one mentoring relationships support the critical social and emotional development needed to help build resilience and promote the mental health and well-being of thousands of children we serve across America. Now more than ever, Big Brothers Big Sisters agencies across the country are stepping up to find innovative ways in serving our communities to #KeepKidsConnected. |
