Big Brothers Big Sisters Celebrates Largest-Ever Graduating Class

By Claire Becknell | July 23, 2026

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metro Atlanta (BBBSMA) proudly celebrated its largest graduating class ever, honoring 147 graduating Littles during its annual Graduation Celebration at Georgia State University.

Watch the 2026 Graduation Celebration on YouTube

Check out the 2026 Graduation Celebration photo gallery

Graduates line up backstage before walking across the stage during Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metro Atlanta’s Graduation Celebration

The event recognized the achievements of graduating seniors while celebrating the mentors, families, partners, and supporters who helped them reach this milestone. More than 100 Littles attended the celebration, making it one of BBBSMA’s largest graduation gatherings to date.

The celebration featured notable speakers, including Matt Gonsalves of Insight Global, representing the BBBSMA Board of Directors, and keynote speaker Dr. DeVonte Johnson, co-founder and owner of Eastside Dental Group, who delivered an inspiring message as they begin their next chapter.

Sandeep Menon (left) and Little Malicii Youngblood (right) serve as emcees during the event.

The program was emceed by Little Malicii Youngblood and Sandeep Menon, while Daniel Romero delivered the invocation. Guests also enjoyed a special performance by Little Heaven Wilson and Natasha Walker, adding an unforgettable moment to the celebration.

Another highlight of the afternoon came from three graduating Littles who reflected on the impact of mentorship through heartfelt Senior Match speeches. Little Kamoria Underwood shared the stage with her Big, Kate Taylor; Little Andwele Spaulding spoke alongside his Big, Courtney King; and Little Laila Cochran was joined by her Big, Karmesa Battle. Their stories served as powerful reminders of how meaningful mentoring relationships help young people overcome challenges and prepare for the future.

Following the Recognition of Seniors, led by Derrick Hearn, graduates were officially welcomed into the BBBSMA alumni community during a special Alumni Ceremony led by Danielle Moore, celebrating the lifelong connection between Bigs, Littles, and the organization.

The Class of 2026 also celebrated an incredible investment in their futures, with $84,000 in scholarships awarded through the generous support of corporate and community partners.

Scholarships were made possible through:

Big Future Scholarship recipients pose with their check.
  • Insight Global
  • Cox Enterprises
  • BBBSA BIG Futures Scholarship, powered by the Deloitte Foundation
  • Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta
  • BBBSMA Big Futures
  • KPMG – Benjamin “Ben” Roher Scholarship Fund
  • Wellstar Health System

BBBSMA’s Beyond School Walls program continues to prepare students for college and careers through workplace mentoring experiences made possible by partners including Google, Insight Global, NCR Voyix, UPS, Cox Enterprises, and Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta.

The organization’s Big Futures program also continues to equip graduating Littles with the tools, resources, and support they need beyond high school thanks to partners including Bank of America, Fifth Third Bank, State Farm, Unum, Wellstar Health System, Southwire, and Fiserv.

A heartfelt thank you goes to every mentor, volunteer, family member, staff member, donor, and corporate partner who helped make this celebration possible. Because of your support, 147 young people graduated knowing they have an entire community cheering them on.

Congratulations to the Class of 2026! We can’t wait to see where your journeys take you, and we’ll always be proud to call you part of the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metro Atlanta family.

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