Our school is just a small piece in a big puzzle with our Best Buddies program. The big impact felt at the school is part of a much larger community across the country since 1989. The school chapter runs all kinds of events both inside and outside of school, and one of these was their Valentine’s Day dance held on Feb. 14.
Zoe Gardner and Kiki Guith are both seniors at the school and serve as the co-presidents of the chapter. They have been a big part in making the club such a success and welcome everyone.
“Best Buddies is an incredible organization that promotes inclusivity for people with intellectual and intellectual disabilities (IDDs),” Guith said. “They have many different programs to achieve this goal, like integrated employment, living and school chapters (what we do at the school).”
Their duties as co-presidents include organizing chapter events such as meetings, fundraisers and field trips. They aim to hold two after-school events and one event outside of school per month. Examples of these events include holiday parties, karaoke, bonfires and more!
“Through Best Buddies, I have gotten to meet so many amazing people and hear so many different perspectives,” Gardner said. “I love forming meaningful friendships with my peers who have disabilities because they teach me so much about myself and the world around me, and I love to help people feel included. My favorite thing in life is helping people, and Best Buddies has given me the opportunity to do that.”
The Valentine’s Day Dance was an event hosted by H-B Woodlawn’s Secondary Program chapter. It was hosted for all chapters in the area to allow members to meet members of the other Best Buddies chapters. Events like this help to create a stronger community for Best Buddies in the area.
“This event and others like this help members of the school chapter meet members of other chapters and expand their social circles,” Gardner said. “Inclusive events such as this one are super important for individuals with developmental or intellectual disabilities because they provide a fun environment where they do not have to worry about being excluded or judged.”
Events like the Valentine’s Day Dance provide a space where students with and without IDDs can be themselves without judgment; they encourage students to celebrate and embrace their differences rather than let those differences set limits.
“My favorite Best Buddies memory was my first meeting as president,” Gardner said. “Where we did speed-friending, and I got to see returning members again after the summer break, and meet new members. I saw so many people meet and form new friendships, and it was really meaningful to see something that I planned and executed, bringing joy to people’s lives.”
Emily Andrusko has been one of the school’s Best Buddies sponsors and special education sponsor for 15 years. Outside of Best Buddies, she is a special education teacher and co-teacher of life skills programs at the school.
“I chaperone the events and make sure everyone feels supported by either myself or Ms. Ackerman,” Ms. Andrusko said. “We also help schedule, coordinate rides, etc., but the club is mostly run by the students; we just provide support.”
Best buddies is always open to others to join, at any time throughout the year. There is always information on the clubs and societies page.
“My favorite memories from Best Buddies are the match parties where kids get a chance to see who their buddy will be for the year,” Andrusko said. “I also enjoy karaoke, and the kids always really like the friendship walk.”
The school chapter is just a small piece in the puzzle of making an impact. The school has done a great job continuing to make the chapter meaningful and accessible.
“Best Buddies has been such a valuable part of my life since I joined, and I definitely recommend anyone considering joining to give it a try,” Gardener said. “It is an amazing atmosphere to meet new people, build strong friendships, and promote inclusion.”
