FRISCO, TEXAS ーFounded in 1989 by Anthony Kennedy Shriver, Best Buddies has taken off and captured the hearts of individuals across the globe. There is at least one chapter in all 50 states, with 3,000 total chapters globally. What started out as a dream at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C., to make a better life for the individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) close to him has become a staple in the lives of thousands.
Best Buddies has the ability to make a difference in the lives of individuals with and without IDD. By fostering one-to-one friendships, students with IDD have a guaranteed friend to look for in the halls, at lunch, and outside of school. Best Buddies is trying to change the narrative that IDD and non-IDD students can’t form strong friendships.
We are lucky enough to have a chapter here at Centennial High School.
When Centennial’s chapter was founded two years ago, there was a little turbulence at the beginning trying to get it off the ground. However, two years later, the program has blossomed into a chapter that has accumulated many members and held countless socials and events to bridge the gap between individuals with and without IDD at Centennial High School.
Chapter Advisor of Centennial Best Buddies, John Archolecas, shares what Best Buddies means to him: “Best Buddies has allowed me to strengthen my connection with IDD students around Centennial High School. Since I have always had a passion for helping individuals with disabilities, it has been amazing to see students with IDD have a safe place here at Centennial and watch them make genuine connections.”
The program’s main goal is to make the lives of individuals with IDD significantly more fulfilled and filled with joy than before they joined the club. This starts with weekly advisory socials on Fridays, which give students with IDD the opportunity to socialize with their buddy and other non-IDD students for a period during the day.
Additionally, the monthly after-school events are the true highlight of this club. Whether the event is a holiday theme party to get our members excited about the holidays (i.e Pumpkin Painting, Christmas Ornament Decorating, and Valentine’s Social) or the biggest event of the year in which all the members dress their nicest and attend a Best Buddies prom, after school events allow for individuals with IDD to get a break from their everyday routine by socializing with their new best friends.
Two-year member and Event Coordinator, Ayaan Chaudhry, had this to say about his favorite event: “I really enjoy the Halloween-themed events. It’s awesome to see all the buddies so excited to go trick-or-treating.”
Best Buddies has become a true success here at Centennial High School. After two years of being an official chapter, Centennial Best Buddies has been named Rookie Chapter of the Year in Texas, Number One Outstanding High School Chapter in the state of Texas, and, recently, deemed a five-star chapter.
Best Buddies Vice President, Gracie Kent, has one message to individuals interested in joining the club: “Best Buddies will change your life for the better. When you join, you are exposed to a whole new environment of compassion.”
