Nashoba is full of clubs and groups that work to make an impact: not just in the community, but in everyday attitudes and lifestyles. Best Buddies is one such club. The program, which is one of the largest clubs at Nashoba, promotes one-to-one friendships between individuals with and without disabilities.

This year at Nashoba, there are eighteen one-on-one matches, twenty associate members, and the group is still continuing to attract new members. So far, Best Buddies has held two events, both for matched peer buddies. At the first social event, members played games and mingled to get a sense for what the club was like. At the match party, everyone found out who their buddy was and had a great time participating in scavenger hunts and cookie decorating.

On Friday, October 30th, Best Buddies held a “Fall Movie Night” where members watched Ghostbusters and enjoyed lots of snacks.  This was only one of many events open to all members of Best Buddies this year. Some of the upcoming activities include a Harvest Dance on Saturday, November 14th, at Nashoba; and a fundraiser at the Strand Theater in Clinton on December 14th where Best Buddies will be showing Elf as a fun family activity for the holidays! In addition, there will be a Yankee Swap on December 9th from 2:30 to 3:30 and a special activity to support Best Buddies during the Thanksgiving Pep Rally. Many more events will be held as well, and a full list can be found on the bulletin board outside of the Life Skills Classroom.

Best Buddies is all about inclusion and acceptance in everyday attitudes and actions.  The group makes a huge impact on the lives of all students who participate. Best Buddies Vice President Alicia Burrows says, “I love being a part of Best Buddies because it is a great way to make people feel welcomed and give them a sense of friendship. It make me so happy to be able to put a smile on someone else’s face.”

Best Buddies has made an impact of thousands of individuals with and without disabilities across the world. Signing up for the group on Bestbuddiesonline.org and attending an event could be the start of a life-long friendship.

Be sure to talk to Jackie Cannon, Alicia Burrows, Ms. Mutrie, or Ms. MacDonald with any questions!