Creating a one-to-one friendship with individuals that have developmental and intellectual disabilities is the goal of the Best Buddies Club at Law.

Anyone who would like to join and volunteer is welcome as Best Buddies is a widespread organization. At Law all grades are involved, including a variety of selected students, which want to learn and experience more.

"I got involved in B.B. after I heard it from a friend. I thought it was a great opportunity to create some new friendships and break social boundaries," said senior Tanusha Satavalli "I was also very keen to do my part in supporting kids with disabilities."

Furthermore, Best Buddies, not only allows one to interact with students one may not be familiar with, but gives each and every person experiences he or she will not receive anywhere else.

"It makes me feel better and opens my eyes to different people. It makes them happy to have a buddy," Casey McMahon said.

Bianca Smith is the lead programmer of B.B. and hopes that the group for middle school and high school students will participate in many activities such as social parties, as well as phone calls between each best buddy.

"Ice-cream socials, a PJ party, movies at the mall, and bowling," were some events that took place last year, McMahon said.

The group was created as an international nonprofit volunteer program to allow for beneficial and social opportunities between volunteers and buddies.

"I was curious to see what B.B. was all about and I was eager to create friends with a new group of students." Satavalli said "I kept going back because I loved the environment and it is such a good experience."

Best Buddies wants to make a holistic fun and stress-free environment for all students.

"I have a sibling with special needs," Nayab Mir said "After joining I got to work with and learn about other’s special needs."

The group is not only helped by Bianca Smith, but Ms. McNulty as well. Together they have helped link many students together regardless of any differences.The group has increased over the last three years, but they are always counting on increasing the amount of people.

"A lot of new volunteers have joined into the program and it is great so many want to be involved in B.B," Satavalli said "I am so humble to be welcomed into this program, which I also looked forward to interacting with my new best buddy!"

Best Buddies is a great group to get involved with. Each person will receive something out of this, whether a new friend, or an experience that would not have taken place anywhere else, everyone walks out of each activity with a smile.