by Emily Crampton
Woburn High
School offers many diverse and interesting clubs to its students, and one of
the most popular is Best Buddies. Best Buddies is a non-profit organization
that pairs students with intellectual and developmental disabilities in
one-to-one friendships with students without these disabilities. Located
world-wide, Best Buddies has chapters in all 50 states, as well as numerous
countries around the world. There are chapters in middle schools, including Woburn’s
own Joyce Middle School, high schools, and colleges. There are also Best
Buddies programs that are not located in schools, such as Best Buddies
Promoters, Best Buddies Jobs, Best Buddies Citizens, e-Buddies, and Best
Buddies Ambassadors.
Freshman
Erika Crampton, new member of Best Buddies at Woburn High but a past member of
the Joyce Middle School Best Buddies chapter, shows her passion for Best
Buddies and her excitement for the upcoming year.
“I think it is important to treat
everyone equally and be nice to people, and that is what Best Buddies does,”
explains Crampton. “It is a really great club and it helps a lot of students
with disabilities. I was in Best Buddies throughout middle school, and I am
looking forward to joining in high school and having a lot of fun while helping
others!”
Sophomore Julie Doherty is planning
on joining Best Buddies this year for the first time.
“I wanted to join Best Buddies
because I really like helping people and I think what Best Buddies does is
great. Best Buddies members are true friends to students with disabilities, and
everyone needs a friend. This club helps students with disabilities, which may
have trouble making friends, form true friendships and they have a lot of fun!”
exclaimed Doherty.
Junior Pat O’Brien has a true
passion for Best Buddies and has been a part of Best Buddies since his freshman
year. He is now vice president of the Woburn Best Buddies chapter.
“Best Buddies is different from most
other clubs that Woburn High offers. It gives students with disabilities fun
opportunities that they might not usually have and I really enjoy spending time
with my buddy. We are really great friends,” said O’Brien. “My buddy, Pat, and
I enjoy spending time together, going out to eat, and going to the movies. One
of our favorite events that Best Buddies held last year was when the chapter
went bowling!”
The Woburn Best Buddies Chapter does
activities outside of school once a month. These events include the annual
Halloween Party, bowling, attending Best Buddies prom, the annual cookout, and
going to movies or holding movie days. Buddy pairs are also encouraged to hang
out outside of Best Buddies events. Some friends go out to dinner or to go see
a movie, while others prefer to just watch TV at each other’s houses.
Best Buddies means a lot to student
Rahma Mutengu, who has disabilities.
“Best
Buddies means so much to me. I get to meet new people, and members of the club
are really understanding about my disability. They always stick up for me if
I’m being bullied or help me if I need help. Best Buddies helps me meet new people and make
new friends, and it is a lot of fun! My favorite event is by far Best Buddies
Prom, because we get to dress up and have a great time with other Best Buddies
chapters in the area!” Mutengu stated.
So far, Best Buddies has already had
116 students apply. Students will forever carry the memories and true
friendships they made through Best Buddies with them throughout their lives.
No comments:
Post a Comment