‘Best Buddies’: West Orange Teen Recognized For Boosting Disabled Community

WEST ORANGE, NJ — The following news release comes courtesy of the West Orange Public School District. Find out how to post announcements or events to your local Patch site.

West Orange High School Senior Juliana Harris was recognized as a Champion Candidate in the Best Buddies Program during the Board of Education meeting on Oct. 27.

Best Buddies International was founded by Anthony Kennedy Shriver in 1989 and provides a friend or mentor to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. As the largest organization working to end the social, physical and economic isolation of the 200 million people with IDD, Best Buddies has become an international movement that has spread to over 54 countries worldwide. It consists of eight programs: Best Buddies Middle Schools, High Schools, Colleges, Promoters, Citizens, Ambassadors, Jobs, and e-buddies. These Best Buddies programs offer opportunities for social skills, job training, and even housing assistance.

West Orange formed a Best Buddies chapter over the past year. In November 2024, West Orange High School paraprofessional Maria Navarette was recognized as a Best Buddies International Champion, and in June 2025 Class of 2025 grad Eleanor Kukes was recognized with the Trailblazer Award for her work with the high school chapter.

As a Champion Candidate, Juliana is raising money for Best Buddies through their annual fundraising event. According to the New Jersey Best Buddies web page:

"Best Buddies Champion of the Year is a competitive fundraising campaign that unites and recognizes leaders of inclusion in local communities nationwide.

Champion Candidates commit to raising funds and awareness for Best Buddies throughout their campaign. Our Champions advocate for the Best Buddies mission and will generate countless opportunities for friendships, jobs, leadership development, inclusive living and family support. At the Best Buddies Champion of the Year celebration, we honor the Champions’ collective impact and name the ultimate Champion of the Year!"

Juliana notes on her fundraising page:

My name is Juliana Harris, and I’m the Secretary of the West Orange Best Buddies Friendship Chapter. I’m a Senior at West Orange High School and my favorite subject is math. My favorite color is pink, and I’m a really good swimmer. Outside of Best Buddies, I’m a cheerleader for Unified Flag Football. I’ve been a member of Best Buddies since I was a sophomore.

"...As a Champion Candidate, I am dedicating my time to raise awareness for this life changing mission. You, too, can help make a difference and support my campaign through making a donation."

The high school chapter also sells keychains and bracelets, holds a Friendship Walk to raise awareness, and performs at the annual WOHS Colorguard Invitational with an adaptive colorguard team.

Juliana and her fellow Best Buddies nominees will be celebrated at the New Jersey Best Buddies annual dinner, to be held at the Hilton Embassy Suites in Berkeley Heights on Nov. 15, and the champion will be announced at that time.

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