As the leaves turn red and the weather gets cold, Homestead’s Best Buddies spreads warmth through their friendships. Not only does Best Buddies celebrate friendship, but they also celebrate inclusion and the power of connection. Some of the activities that the Best Buddies partake in during the fall are a chalk party, homecoming parade, and pie-baking contest.

There are many fall activities that the Best Buddies take part in, and in order to decide which ones to do, there is decision-making and voting that takes place. Club Advisor Ms. Sara Boeck-Cunningham works hard to make sure students have these opportunities for positive experiences.

“We hold monthly board meetings to discuss upcoming events and gather input from our buddies. Together, we collaborate to create meaningful and enjoyable activities for everyone involved,” Boeck-Cunningham said.

Club Advisor Ms. Diane Waddington also enjoys many of the fall activities she and the students participate in, but she has a clear favorite.

“My favorite fall activity would be the pie-baking contest that we have before Thanksgiving. The BB board members are each assigned a pie to bake on their own (they pick out of a hat) and bring it to our Thanksgiving party, where they will be judged by the kids,” Waddington said.

Many leaders in the group also help make it a great experience, including President Caroline Oberneder, senior. There are many different reasons people take on the leader role but Oberneder’s is more unique than others.

“When I was younger, I always considered myself a leader, just having a sister with Down Syndrome, I always felt like I was so mature and ready to take on a role as a leader, and I just always felt more responsible.”

The main goal of these activities is that students build meaningful relationships with each other.

“My goal is to provide my students with opportunities to have fun and build connections with their peers in a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment,” Boeck-Cunningham said.