Everybody Needs a Best Buddy Best Buddies, an international non-profit, provides opportunities and friendships for people with and without intellectual and developmental disabilities. Their four pillars are one-to-one friendships, integrated employment, leadership development and inclusive living. At Paly, the Best Buddies club focuses on friendships that have changed many lives for students. Friendships, unforgettable memories and opportunities are all formed both in and out of the classroom.
Yardena Schwab
For the outgoing and friendly Paly junior Yardena Schwab, Best Buddies has been a gateway for friendships and new experiences. Last year, Schwab enjoyed spending time with her buddy Rosa Schaefer-Bastian during lunch and talking about favorite TV shows or even her new favorite gymnast. Schwab has treasured her three years in the club, which have been full of fun events such as the annual Best Buddies potluck, bowling excursions and football games. “I like Best Buddies because it is fun and you can make new friends,” Schwab said. This year, Schwab joined the cheer team and loves the long hours and hard work that goes into perfecting every routine before getting to showcase them with her team on the field during halftime. Along with performing their memorized routines, Schwab and her teammates always keep the energy up, encouraging the players and keeping fans engaged during JV football games. Having only a few club meetings complete this school year, Schwab has a lot to look forward to and a year full of many more Best Buddies events, sports games and hangout time with both new and old friends.
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Katie Spier
Katie Spier, a senior at Paly, can go on and on about the friends she has made over her four years being a part of the Best Buddies program. Whether they are at a friend’s house or the bowling alley, being with her buddy is always a blast. Last year, Spier was paired up with Sophia Henderson. Spier and Henderson have known each other for eight years now, but spending more time together through Best Buddies has made their long-lasting friendship even more special. On top of hanging out with her friends during Best Buddies, Spier loves to participate in all sorts of activities from knock-knock jokes to mini art projects to watching movies like The Incredibles and Frozen. Spier has made countless unforgettable memories through the club. “It is so fun and great because I get to hang out with friends,” Spier said. During the club’s bowling trip last year, Spier had a particularly great experience spending time with her friends — and almost winning. She is excited about the year to come, looking forward to Best Buddies events and new friends she has yet to meet.
