Best Buddies Chapter Starts at GHS

will soon have a chapter of Best Buddies Massachusetts.

Since 1995, Best Buddies has paired students with intellectual and developmental disabilities in one-to-one friendships with typical high school students, according to information from the organization's Website.

A benefactor who wishes to remain anonymous has stepped forward to fund a year's fee for the program, special education administrator Kathleen Baris told the School Committee last night. 

The program will formally begin in September. 

Students are "very, very excited'' about getting this program started at the high school, she said. Fifteen students attended a meeting held for those interested in becoming involved in the chapter, she said. 

Interest has been expressed both by those seeking buddies and those wishing to become a buddy, she said.

Grants and fund-raising efforts will likely raise more money to extend the program beyond the first year, Baris said.

Committee members thanked Baris for their efforts and spoke of the positive impacts this program could have.

"I hear lots of good things about this,'' committee member Teri Turgeon said.

Since 1995, Best Buddies High Schools has paired students with intellectual and developmental disabilities in one-to-one friendships with high school students. In the past, individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities have not had the opportunity to have friends outside of their own special education classroom. By introducing Best Buddies into public and private high schools, participants are crossing the invisible line that too often separates those with disabilities from those without.

Best Buddies High Schools also offers students a unique opportunity to develop leadership skills. With the support of school faculty and Best Buddies staff, students lead and direct the chapters in their schools.