Big Time Bros

In a time when generational divides often dominate headlines and attention spans are fleeting, a powerful story from Cincinnati is offering something refreshingly different: a reminder that mentorship, patience, and the act of simply showing up can transform a life. And not just any life. In this case, two lives separated by five decades, brought together by the mission of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Cincinnati, and now celebrated on a national stage.

Norm Boyd and Tyjon, known locally as the “Grand Brothers,” have been named the 2025 National Big and Little Brother of the Year by Big Brothers Big Sisters of America. The honor recognizes one pair in the country whose relationship exemplifies the ideals of the program: consistency, trust, and transformative impact. Their story is more than a win for the Queen City. It is a blueprint for what mentorship can achieve when it is rooted in love and long-term commitment.

The official announcement came during the Big Brothers Big Sisters national conference in Philadelphia. There, Norm and Tyjon were not only recognized for their nine-year match, but for the enduring strength of their bond, the honesty of their journey, and their willingness to share it with others.

Tyjon, now 18, did not mince words when reflecting on where he might be without Norm’s presence. He talked about “running the streets with the wrong crowd” and admitted that prison felt like a likely destination. It is not a dramatic exaggeration. It is a reality faced by many young people navigating neighborhoods with limited access to support systems, stable role models, or second chances.

When Tyjon’s mother enrolled him in the program, she did what thousands of parents have done over the years: asked for a little help. In Norm, she got more than a mentor. She got a man who would become family.

Their relationship began with simple outings. They bowled. They shared meals. They talked about school, friends, and decisions that matter. Norm never tried to become a replacement for Tyjon’s family. He became an anchor. Someone who would always listen. Someone who would always show up. Over time, that reliability became a turning point.

Norm, who is now in his 70s, never let the age gap serve as an obstacle. Instead, he embraced it. Their self-given title, “Grand Brothers,” reflects not just humor, but pride. Norm brought with him decades of perspective. Tyjon brought curiosity, energy, and a willingness to grow. The age difference only added depth to their connection.

The numbers surrounding Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Cincinnati tell a compelling story. Every single child paired with a Big through the program is enrolled in school. Ninety-nine percent are not involved with drugs, alcohol, or the juvenile justice system. For Tyjon, the outcome is personal. He plans to go to college. He wants to become a mentor himself, eager to extend the same opportunity that changed his life.

At the Philadelphia conference, Norm and Tyjon took a moment to honor the woman who made it all possible. Tyjon’s mother, who recognized that her son needed another voice in his corner, chose to welcome someone else into their family. That decision, made nearly a decade ago, continues to ripple outward. Her choice has not only shaped her son’s future but now serves as an example for families across the country.

This moment of recognition for Norm and Tyjon arrives at a critical time. Across Greater Cincinnati, and in cities nationwide, thousands of children are currently on waitlists, hoping for someone to raise their hand and say, “I’m here.” The need for mentors is real. The outcomes are measurable. The path is clear.

The call to action is not complicated. Big Brothers Big Sisters is asking more adults to step into a role that changes lives. It does not require being a teacher or a counselor. It does not require advanced degrees or a perfect résumé. It requires time. It requires compassion. It requires consistency.

If Norm’s story teaches anything, it is that longevity matters. The success of his relationship with Tyjon did not come from a single activity or conversation. It came from years of accumulated trust. Norm showed up when it rained. He showed up when school was hard. He showed up when the right path was not always clear. And because of that, Tyjon began to see what was possible.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Cincinnati now serves 13 counties across Southwest Ohio, Northern Kentucky, and Southeast Indiana. The impact is regional, but the mission is deeply personal. Each match begins with a decision. One person says they are willing to show up. One child says they are ready to believe in someone new. When that happens, potential gets a fighting chance.

Norm and Tyjon never set out to be national ambassadors. They simply made a commitment to each other and stuck with it. Their story is not flashy. It is faithful. It is built on humility, respect, and mutual admiration. In sharing it, they have reminded us that mentorship is not about fixing someone. It is about walking beside them, even when the road is long.

Now, with their story reaching a national audience, the Grand Brothers are using their platform to inspire others. They are proof that mentorship does not just bridge gaps. It builds futures. One match at a time.

To learn more about how to get involved, support the mission, or become a mentor, visit www.bigsforkids.org. Your time could be the turning point in someone’s story. Just ask Norm and Tyjon.