NCHS Best Buddies group named top chapter in state

May 14--NORMAL -- A group of Normal Community High School students were acknowledged Friday for their ability to build friendships and inspire inclusion.

The NCHS Best Buddies group was named outstanding chapter of the year in Illinois by Best Buddies of Illinois.

"Best Buddies is all about inclusion. The goal is to raise awareness and encourage students to treat people with disabilities just like any other person, to accept them and include them in school and the wider community," said Angie Cardiff, adviser for Best Buddies of NCHS.

The group of 50 general education students and 25 students with disabilities are paired up through the program to bond at school during class and weekly activities, and by spending time together in the community; grabbing lunch or seeing a movie.

"The students with disabilities see all these people who want to talk to them, form friendships and include them in their activities," said Cardiff. "It's such a confidence and self-esteem booster for kids with disabilities."

The group was selected out of more than 100 Best Buddies chapters in the state.

"Since the day they started their chapter, you can see they made it their goal to build friendships and make the school more inclusive. The friendships really develop throughout the year and become very genuine. Groups support each other at sporting events go out on the weekend and do typical things that teens would do," said Michelle Dempster, program manager with Best Buddies Central Illinois.

Dempster said NCHS was selected for the recognition because of its efforts to stretch Best Buddies outside of the high school building. She said it's common to see the students intertwining Best Buddies into their other friend groups.

NCHS Principal Trevor Chapman said both "buddies" flourish from being involved in the program.

"Many students gain exposure to social situations and interactions that they wouldn't otherwise have," said Chapman. "I couldn't be more proud of our Best Buddies program at NCHS as it truly speaks to the caliber of students we have in our building and their willingness to become leaders."

Contact Julia Evelsizer at (309) 820-3254. Follow her on Twitter: @pg_evelsizer

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