Why did you join Best Buddies?

“I joined Best Buddies because I wanted to build friendships and share memories with others.” Ryleigh May ‘29

“I joined Best Buddies because I have a little brother that has Down Syndrome, and he is the light of my day! I knew going into high school I wanted to do something involving kids who have intellectual disabilities and Best Buddies gave me that! I’m filled with so much joy and love for this amazing group of people and couldn’t be more happier and thankful.” Kiera Kobiela ‘27

“I think Best Buddies is fun. I like to meet new people.” Layla Hall ‘28

“I joined Best Buddies because I thought it was going to be a really cool opportunity to meet new people and make some new friends.” Sam Warner ‘26

“I joined because I wanted to build strong connections with some kids that I might not have been able to connect with regularly. It is also really fun finding out how different each and every kid is.” Miranda Schnurpel ‘29

What has been the most rewarding thing about Best Buddies?

“The most rewarding thing about Best Buddies is getting to have a friend to hang out with during and outside school.” Ryleigh May ‘29

“There are absolutely so many! But my favorite is knowing that I can make a difference in each of the buddies’ lives and putting a smile on their face! From personal experiences, people who have intellectual disabilities have more difficulties being included and accepted! Knowing and showing them that I’m a person who accepts them and cares and loves them every day!” Kiera Kobiela ‘27 

“I learned to do new things.” Layla Hall ‘28

“I think the most rewarding part about Best Buddies is just having a buddy that you know you are making laugh and having fun with.” Sam Warner ‘26

“The most rewarding thing is seeing how much I can impact someone’s life by just being kind. I also love to see the smiles and joy that I can bring to everyone’s faces.” Miranda Schnurpel ‘29 

“I like to make friends and do activities.” Caitlin Wilkinson ‘26

What has been the most fun thing you’ve done with your buddy?

“The most fun thing I’ve done with my buddy so far is hanging out with my body at the Best Buddies feast and getting to meet her family.” Ryleigh May ‘29

“Evy Anderson and I have been paired for two years now! She absolutely is amazing and I love her so much! We both got a chance to go to some of the elementary schools and talk about our friendships and what Best Buddies are! It was an amazing experience talking and getting to share our story with younger kids together.” Kiera Kobiela ‘27

“I really like to hang out with my buddy Taylor.” Layla Hall ‘28

“I would say that the most fun thing that my buddy Chase and I have done together is duckpin bowling in Franklin. It was really cool because I could really easily tell how much Chase enjoyed it, and he couldn’t stop smiling the whole time we were there.” Sam Warner ‘26 

“We decorated cookies for a STAR event. I decorated a cookie for both me and her.” Miranda Schnurpel ‘29

“I like to go to the movies.” Caitlin Wilkinson ‘26

What is one thing you’ve learned while being a part of Best Buddies?

“One thing I have learned is that friendships can be made whenever and wherever with anyone. “Ryleigh May ‘29

“I’ve learned how much small moments can mean to someone. Even just showing up consistently matters a lot. To appreciate differences instead of trying to compare or fit people into categories. And how important it is to listen and make sure people feel seen. It’s taught me a lot about empathy.” Kiera Kobiela ‘27

“I have learned to make new friends.” Layla Hall ‘28

“I would say that one thing that I have learned is how to treat people and other students with disabilities–which is the same way. They just want to have friends and feel included like everyone else, and I think it is really important for everybody to understand that. I’m glad I got the opportunity to understand that firsthand.” Sam Warner ‘26

“I have learned to never judge anyone based on what was on the outside. I learned to be kind to everyone because you can really impact someone’s life by just being kind to them.” Miranda Schnurpel ‘29

“I have learned to talk to new people.” Caitlin Wilkinson ‘26