Iowa native, Regis grad honored as ‘Big Brother of the Year’

A 1995 Regis High School graduate recently was recognized as the 2015 National Big Brother of the Year by Big Brothers Big Sisters of America.

Chris Rosburg, 38, was awarded the title for mentoring Darrion Davis, 12. The two have been paired together in Kansas City, Mo., for several years.

'When you volunteer for something like this, you don't expect to be recognized like this,” Rosburg said.

Rosburg, who owns a promotional marketing agency, was recognized in Philadelphia after winning Big Brother of the Year in Missouri and Big Brother of the Year in Kansas City.

He said he was driving and had to pull over when he received the news about the national honor.

'I was really overtaken by emotion,” Rosburg said. He added that one of the first people he called was Darrion, who said he was excited for him and then asked if they could ride go-karts that night.

'He's an excellent guy,” Darrion said of Rosburg.

Darrion was able to accompany Rosburg to Philadelphia to receive the award.

'It was my first time going on a plane,” Darrion said.

When the two initially met, Rosburg said Darrion was very quiet and that he did not have anyone in his life to teach him manners, such as holding doors.

While Darrion still is soft-spoken, his manners have changed during the course of their friendship. Conversations with Darrion are filled with thank yous and you're welcomes.

The two share a lot of activities together, including playing basketball, going to the movies and going out to eat, Darrion said. Darrion said he likes that he can tell Rosburg secrets, but he would not say what they were about.

Darrion's mother, Tamika Davis, 36, said Darrion can talk to Rosburg about anything and know he will give him the best possible answer.

'We love him and appreciate him from the bottom of our hearts,” she said of Rosburg.

She added that she thought the relationship would never end because the pair had gotten so close over the years.

'I got involved because I grew up in a wonderful family ... and I felt like I had a lot to share with somebody who didn't have that,” Rosburg said about his decision to volunteer with Big Brothers Big Sisters of America. That decision led him to Darrion.

While the program will end for Darrion when he turns 18, Rosburg said the two plan on staying in touch.

'For me, it's a lifelong deal,” Rosburg said.

Darrion said one of his favorite memories with Rosburg is going to Worlds of Fun, where the two will go again in August for Darrion's birthday.