The Best Buddies club provides an opportunity for one-on-one friendships between people with and without developmental disabilities. Best Buddies helps kids with disabilities and makes them feel more welcome in the school community.

Best Buddies has a big impact on students at Santa Fe High because it helps kids with special needs interact with others and feel more confident. Best Buddies helps students of any age or disability. Students can join Best Buddies by going to Mr. Rivera’s class (A-143) on Thursdays at lunch.

“I like my best buddy because we spend time together, and she makes me feel happy,” said one student who wishes to remain anonymous.

“Best Buddies changed my life as a student and made me feel more confident around others,” said Fatima Guillen.

“I like Best Buddies because I get to be myself around my buddy,” said Elena Romero.

“You should join Best Buddies to promote friendships between students with disabilities and students in the general population at the school,” said Ms. Hanson, an educational assistant.

Best Buddies was started in 1989 at Georgetown University, in Washington, D.C. For more information on how to make friends and have fun in this club, visit www.best buddies.com.