By Emily Bala & Klea Gjergji ’23
For this issue, we decided to cover one of the biggest clubs at Beverly High: Best Buddies! Best Buddies is a student-led organization/club that pairs students using a buddy system in order to create an inclusive high school experience for everybody.
The club plans multiple events throughout the year such as ice cream socials, field trips, dances, basketball games, and more team-building and fun activities!
If you want a welcoming environment that ensures everyone has a great high school experience, join Best Buddies! Everyone is welcome.
We had the opportunity to speak with Mrs. Flaherty, the club advisor:
Q: What made you want to be the advisor of Best Buddies?
A: As an Adaptive P.E. teacher, working with this special population brightens my day. When I was asked to be the advisor, it was an easy decision. Best Buddies is a student-led club. Observing the club officers and members organize and implement inclusive events and activities over the years is a testament to the quality of students we have here at BHS.
Q: What is the goal of the Best Buddies club?
A: The major goal we focus on every year is to bring awareness about inclusion to our chapter members and our school community. Members of our club, students with and without Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, are given the opportunity to create meaningful friendships through organized events both inside and outside of school.
Furthermore, we interviewed a fellow member, Max Lang (Sr.):
Q: What’s the process of joining Best Buddies?
A: Meet w/ Mrs. Flaherty and Best Buddies officers and they help you join a GroupMe where information is relayed about Best Buddies (events, parties, get-togethers, etc.)
Q: What’s your favorite thing about Best Buddies?
A: Meeting new people and learning more about the buddies. Spending quality time with even higher quality people.
Q: How has your overall experience been?
A: Very good, I have had the privilege of meeting many friends and learning about the buddies. The buddies always show care for you, and ask questions about us. It shows they really care about us, equally as we care about them. It’s very cool.
Q: What are some events/activities you guys do?
A: We have certain parties, most notably a Halloween party where we all dress up. Even ice cream socials after school.
Summary & Key Info:
- Club: Best Buddies
- Summary: Club that pairs students using a buddy system in order to create an inclusive high school experience for everybody. This is achieved through fun activities such as ice cream socials, field trips, dances, basketball games, and more team-building!
- Goal: Bring awareness about inclusion to our chapter members and our school community.
- When: Dates vary, check @bhsbestbuddies2022 on Instagram for meeting dates!
- Where: Room C206
- Advisor: Mrs. Flaherty- aflaherty@beverlyschools.org
- President: Isabella Clark
- President: Carly Jones
- Vice President: Drew Sadoski
- Officer: Peter O’Brien
- Officer: Keelin Cannon
- Officer: Tehya Killam
- For more info on events, follow the Best Buddies Instagram account: @bhsbestbuddies2022
Image credits: @bhsbestbuddies2022 on Instagram
