Best Buddies is a club at Aliso Niguel that works with students who have learning disabilities and tries to help them socialize.
This club was originally founded in 2021, and is currently being run by President Kolbie Maranowski (11), and vice presidents, Kailee Landon (10) and Alison Chan (10). Students frequently hangout in Mrs. Radleys’ room, 600 during lunch. Best Buddies is a part of an international organization that helps those with intellectual and developmental disabilities with inclusion to build social skills and make friends.
Members are paired with a buddy and pairs last as long as the member remains in the club. Pairs are meant to build long lasting friendships and provide students with the opportunity to make new friends.
They attend proms that Trabuco Hills High School hosts at a community center with other schools and participate in the Best Buddies events, such as the LA and OC friendship walk. They also hold a special Olympics with sports days and summits, along with track and cheer.
Maranowski adds, “Although it can be hard, all students deserve the chance to make friends.”
Best Buddies was first started in 1989 as a way to encourage spreading awareness about inclusion for those with disabilities and tries to help them socialize and break stereotypes towards them. In the organization, participants can become ambassadors and begin public speaking and advocates. It helps them with leadership roles and socialization. Best Buddies strongly encourages those with disabilities to find jobs and has programs to help them achieve it. They offer skills training and mentoring individuals to help them succeed in the workforce.
Maranowski says, “I was offered the President role towards the end of my freshman year and I’ve been a part of it ever since.”
