This year Chesterton High School will be adopting its own chapter of the “Best Buddies” program!  Best Buddies is an international organization that aims to build friendships between people of all ability levels and include everyone. Best Buddies works with communities with Down Syndrome, Autism, Fragile X, Williams Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, Traumatic Brain Injury, and other disabilities. As high school can be a scary time for teenagers, the Best Buddies program will create one on one friendships, break social barriers, and help people become more comfortable in their community. 

In 1987, the first ever Best Buddies chapter was created in Georgetown. Since its creation, over 50,000 chapters have been created worldwide. Chesterton is proud to join the many schools across the US that have adopted the program. Chesterton’s teacher sponsor, Mrs. Evans, talked about why this program is such a benefit for CHS to have.

“This program eliminates any social barriers to create inclusive environments for everyone, including people with and without disabilities!” said Evans.

In this club, students will be paired with a buddy and have a monthly get-together with them, along with a get-together with the entire group. The callout meeting will occur Thursday, August 24th, at 2:55-3:30 in Mrs. Evans’ room (A102). Please contact Chapter President, Kelly Swickard, with any questions at [email protected]!