Making friendships special at Hampton

A crew of “best buddies” were present at last week's Hampton school board meeting, sharing the benefits and meaningful experiences of the group, which pairs special needs students to their non-special needs peers.

Hampton's Best Buddies Chapter began last summer at the high school. It aims to harness friendships and provide socialization opportunities for all students, especially those with disabilities, according to Hampton teacher Mike Zdinak, advisor to the group. Students wanted to relay to the school board how beneficial and worthwhile the club is, for both the “buddy,” referencing the special needs student, and “peer buddy,” the nondisabled student.

“We got matched perfectly together,” said Alisha Januck, a senior, who is a peer buddy to Abby Molinaro, a sophomore. She recounted their regular activities they enjoy together. Including texting, phone calls, school events, playing Laser Tag, and lots of restaurant visits, as Molinaro is a “foodie,” said Januck, who is vice president of their chapter.

Chapters have to adhere to specific guidelines of the nonprofit Best Buddies national organization. Buddy pairs must have a “one-to-one” activity at least two times a month, in-person contact or communication via phone, text or email at least once per week, group activity at least four times a year, and be matched with a buddy for at least a whole year.

Januck said they text at least three or four times a week. It must also be recorded on the organization's website to ensure the relationship is active.

Zdinak said they can also step in and assist in a friendship when needed.

Molinaro went to see Januck and her date at the prom walk this year and they celebrated Molinaro's birthday together. And taking pictures was on top of the list.

“Abby and I got close this year to say the least,” said Januck.

“We honestly could bring every buddy pair up here and have the same stories,” said Zdinak.

Every month they are doing some type activity said Zdinak, whether it's basketball games, friendship walks or baking. Students have to self-identify with special needs to join the program.

Currently they have nine peer buddies, and eight buddies, as well as 22 associate members, who do not get paired up but can participate in activities.

The buddy program wants its participants to take the group seriously. One of the requirements is sending a student to its regional conference in the summer, which was attended by Moser at Indiana University of Bloomfield.

“It was the highlight of my summer. I loved it,” she said.

There is also a buddy ball.

“I considered it one of my favorite nights of the year. It was so much fun,” said Kathryn Morrison, a junior and chapter vice president. She's paired with Nick Garbini, a senior.

She said the ball and similar events “really drives the point that there are no boundaries” between people, disabled or not.

Peer buddy and chapter secretary Maddie Ware also was at the board meeting to express support of the program with her buddy Mara Andrews. Both are seniors.

The National Buddy Walk fundraiser was held in April in Pittsburgh, which the group deemed a success and would like to expand with a tent next year.

Jen Lavella, a Hampton teacher and advisor to the group, said their goals for next year include increasing enrollment into the program, whether a buddy or a peer. And also to procure sponsors to help them with the program.

They have a special way they announce buddy pairs. Last year, the special needs students popped a balloon filled with confetti and their new buddy's name. Anna Karis, a freshman, was thrilled it was her friend Amanda Moser, a junior. Moser was a familiar face from elementary school.

“When I heard she was my buddy I was like ‘thank you' ”, said Karis.

Dr. Michael Loughead, supervisor of the school district for Hampton, commented the group is “inspiring” and a “wonderful example for all of us.” To get more information, visit the website at bestbuddiesonline.org.

Natalie Beneviat is a Tribune-Review contributor.