The Best Buddies Club is a club at Aliso Niguel, and it is run by President Kolbie Maranowski (11).
The club is an international program that was founded for students to create one-on-one friendships with those with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Schools all across the United States offer this club to students.
The club at Aliso Niguel is designed to create special friendships between those with IDD and those without it. Furthermore, the club advocates for more job opportunities for those with IDD and offers support to the families of those with disabilities.
Kolbie Maranowski states, “Best Buddies Club stands for inclusive living, friendships in school and out of school, inclusive jobs and school chapters.”
The club meets every Friday at lunch with Ms. Radley, one of the STEPS teachers, as their advisor. STEPS stands for Structured Teaching Educating Prepared Students.
Activities club members partake in include drawing, coloring, decorating cookies and participating in the Special Olympics events that take place throughout the school year. They also do Unified Track, where buddies pair up with members of the track team and run together.
Maranowski says, “Throughout the year, people form friendships with their buddy, do meaningful projects together and learn more about each other to create a more inclusive environment.”
The club is a volunteering club, with different opportunities offered throughout the school year. Students can go on field trips with their buddies for Special Olympics events, which offer up to six hours of volunteer time. Students can also meet in the unified lounge area during lunch to get to know each other better and spend more time with their buddies and others.
One unique part of the Best Buddies Club is the way that students form a special bond with one buddy throughout the school year and can even continue that relationship over multiple years.
Maranowski explains, “I have my own buddy, named Akshaya. We’ve been a buddy pair for a year now, and we just hang out at club meetings and lunch and form a meaningful relationship. We both love Adele!”
The Best Buddies Club provides a sense of community and impactful friendship for those with IDD. Getting through high school is already challenging enough, but it can be even more difficult for those with disabilities. Having a friend to get to know and spend time with is important for these students.
Maranowski says, “Obviously high school is hard, and you can imagine it’s even harder for people who have a disability. My favorite part of the club is being able to be yourself, putting aside your differences and seeing everyone feel involved.”
The Best Buddies Club is a club focused on the inclusivity of those with disabilities, and ensuring they have an enjoyable experience at school just like everyone else. The club rewards those who are involved by creating a close bond with a friend and knowing that students with disabilities feel included. With the Best Buddies Club, Aliso Niguel is one step closer to an inviting environment and community for everyone.
