From decorating pumpkins and dancing "The Monster Mash" in the school cafeteria to taking the coin toss in front of hundreds at a Friday night football game … John Jay’s Best Buddies Club is having a positive impact on students and staff at more than one school!
The foundation of its inclusive message is simply getting together.
Once a month, Best Buddies members gather in John Jay High School’s cafeteria, just after the school days ends. “It’s purposefully inclusive,” said teachers Peter Iannarelli and Maria Mellon, advisors of John Jay Middle and High Schools’ Best Buddies Clubs. “Best Buddies brings general education and special education students together to form meaningful friendships with their peers."
“My older brother always encouraged me to get involved with the club,” said Best Buddies co-president Alexander (Ace) Wood. “I’ve been going since last year. It’s great.”
“You get to see kids you don’t usually see,” said co-president Sean O’Meara. “I go all of the time, just to hang out.”
In October, club members decorated pumpkins, made seasonal decorations and played ping-pong, corn-hole and other games.
A collaboration between the Varsity football teams and Best Buddies Clubs of Bedford/Fox Lane and Katonah-Lewisboro School Districts took it to another level. They created the First Annual Buddy Bowl, dedicating the October 25 football game between the two schools to the mission of the Best Buddies Club.
John Jay sophomore Ellie Purnick was invited to do the coin toss, in center field, just before the game began!
“Best Buddies Club members and special education staff got to high-five their teams and line up with them on the field,” said Alex Casabona, Katonah-Lewisboro’s assistant superintendent for student support services, adding that they also were able to watch the game from just behind the team’s bench. “We did a lot of cheering, and the Wolves were victorious!”
The Best Buddies Club continues its work of creating friendships throughout the year. “I love being around everyone in the club,” said co-president Sean. “I love spending time together. It’s a place of happiness.”
THANK YOU to The Recorder for the use of Buddy Bowl photos.