Sometimes, the most meaningful mentoring relationships are built in the simplest moments, laughing together, learning something new, and having someone by your side who makes life a little brighter.
For Tony and Alex, that’s exactly what their match has become.
Recognized as Big Brothers Big Sisters of Puget Sound’s 2026 Big & Little of the Year, Tony and Alex’s story is full of joy, encouragement, and the kind of connection that leaves a lasting mark.
A Match Filled with Joy
Tony and Alex have been matched for about 10 months, and in that time, they’ve built a bond grounded in fun, trust, and genuine care for one another. When Alex talks about Tony, his admiration is clear.
“What really surprised me about him was how funny he was and his kindness, because he’s very nice — like, really nice. Yeah, he’s just amazing.” — Alex
It’s a simple reflection, but a powerful one. For a young person to feel that safe, seen, and happy with their mentor says so much about the relationship they’ve built.
Learning, Growing, and Showing Up
Tony sees something special in Alex, too.
“My favorite thing about Alex is his eagerness to learn. He always wants to try hard. He always wants to do his best. He always gives everything 100%, so I respect that a lot.” — Tony
That’s the heart of mentorship, not only showing up for a young person, but helping them recognize their own strengths along the way. Tony’s encouragement and belief in Alex shine through in the way they spend time together: actively, intentionally, and always with room for growth.
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The Moments They’ll Never Forget
Some of the most meaningful parts of a match are the memories created together. For Tony and Alex, that includes sharing good food, laughing together, and imagining themselves as the “Ramen Ninjas” at a restaurant, playful moments that turned an ordinary outing into something unforgettable. But one memory stands out the most for Alex:
“A particular moment with Tony that I probably will never forget is the first time I went biking, when he taught me how to bike. And it was really fun.” — Alex
That moment became about more than learning to ride. It became a reminder of what it feels like to have someone patient enough to teach you, encourage you, and cheer you on.
Tony didn’t stop there. He also showed Alex how bikes work, from fixing a tire to understanding the brakes and even replacing a tire.
These may seem like small lessons, but they carry something much bigger: confidence, trust, and the feeling that someone believes in you enough to help you grow.
More Than Just Time Together
Alex says it best:
“Whenever I do stuff with Tony, it’s never boring. It’s always amazing, fun, really active.” — Alex
That kind of consistency, joy, and encouragement can shape a young person in powerful ways. Tony and Alex’s relationship remind us that mentorship doesn’t always have to look big or dramatic. Sometimes, it looks like laughter. Sometimes, it looks like learning how to ride a bike. Sometimes, it looks like simply being there, again and again, in ways that make a child feel valued and loved.
That is what makes their match so special.
And that is why we are proud to celebrate them as our 2026 Big & Little of the Year.
Watch Their Story
Want to see the joy and connection of Tony and Alex’s match for yourself?
👉 Watch Tony & Alex’s full Match Story on YouTube: LINK
