By Moriah Hoover – Student Reporter from MP (Junior)
Best Buddies is a program at Mary Persons High School that fosters deep, meaningful relationships between students with and without intellectual disabilities. In 2013, Mary Persons became the first high school in Georgia to launch a Best Buddies chapter that has continued to flourish over the years. Anyone is welcome and encouraged to join; currently, we have 105 members, which is our highest involvement yet! These students are excited to make new connections and branch outside of their comfort zones.
The Best Buddies program has been involved in events such as Champion of the Year, local Friendship Walks, and an annual talent show, which all help promote the importance of inclusion. Another key aspect of the program is the Special Olympics that take place at the Mary Persons track every spring where students with disabilities are able to participate in field day events such as the long jump, relay races, and softball throwing competitions. People from the community are welcome to come and support the students in each of the sponsored events. A strong cheering section makes these students feel loved and welcomed.
Quincy Moore, a junior, states “My favorite part about Best Buddies is when we host the Special Olympics at the end of the year. You get to make real friendships with people that are different from you throughout the year and then celebrate with them at an event where they get to have so much fun.”
The Best Buddies Talent show is also a pivotal moment of the year for this program. It allows students and their buddies to showcase various “hidden” talents and it is a perfect way to showcase everyone’s special abilities. This past year, the Board of Education auditorium was so packed that we might have to have it in the Fine Arts Center next year!
At our first meeting, student staff members helped lead the large group into an afternoon of fun. The meeting started off with some impromptu dancing, which heightened everyone’s mood and energy. Afterwards, students were instructed on how to play an “icebreaker” game. This was a great way for fellow buddies and their new friends to familiarize themselves with each other. Laughs were shared and memories were made; we are excited for all that this year will bring.
As a member of Best Buddies, my experience has been nothing short of amazing. I love watching people go through the process of building new friendships. The atmosphere in every meeting and event is delightful and full of joy. Watching Buddy faces light up when they are with their new pair is a feeling that you can’t forget; it really makes you want to fight for a better, kinder world. This year, my hope is that Best Buddies will continue to grow and flourish, because an environment where every student truly feels valued, accepted, and welcome is of the utmost importance.
Building strong friendships is one of the most important parts of feeling connected and accepted, and Best Buddies provides the foundation for these bonds to form in a meaningful way. The purpose of joining is not simply to fulfill a requirement or earn a credit, but to open the door to genuine connections that can blossom into long-lasting friendships. By setting aside our differences and focusing on the joy of building relationships, we create a community that celebrates inclusion, kindness, and the power of friendship.
