In today’s society, fitting in can be hard for teens who face social and communication barriers, making it difficult to make friends. Over the years, many students have recognized this issue and decided to incorporate what is known as the Best Buddies Foundation within Charter. Sophomore and Recording Secretary, Kaitlyn Oramas, expresses, “In Best Buddies, we strive to make everyone feel included even if they’re “not like us.” We get to be their friend in a world where it’s hard for them to make one.” Best Buddies has been around for a multitude of years and is led by passionate students who are dedicated to making a difference through friendships and having a safe environment.
Best Buddies gives its club members the opportunity to spend time with kids by playing baseball, and kickball, or doing arts and crafts with them. The most popular volunteer opportunity that the club offers is called Swim Buddies which is part of the YMCA Gym. Senior and Historian, Ashley Hoadley, shares, “[Swim Buddies was what had] led me to becom[ing] a lifeguard [at the YMCA] and now a swim instructor.” Opportunities like these are what gives high schoolers a chance to bond and build friendships with kids who may not have that chance.
One of the club’s main goals is to bring more awareness to the club itself and its growth. Senior and Co-President, Leah Miragliotta, exclaims,“[We hope to] grow the program and promote working with the buddies [and] to create a fun and welcoming environment for everyone!”
At the end of each year, Best Buddies’ biggest event takes place. The Best Buddies Foundation gets in touch with each high school in Florida to participate in the Friendship Walk. “One of the biggest events is the Friendship Walk at the end of the year where dedicated people from all different schools come together and we all walk to raise awareness and money for the Best Buddies Foundation,” Miragliotta shares.
Best Buddies is a powerful club that is all about kindness, inclusion, and friendship. This program aims to create meaningful connections and lasting impacts that will change these kids forever. These volunteer opportunities not only make the buddies happy but can teach students how to be more compassionate and understanding. All and all, Best Buddies helps to prove that friendship can truly make the world a better place.
