This year, students and faculty have become a member of the international Best Buddies program, nonprofit organization dedicated to creating one on one friendships among people with disabilities and people without them.

Founded in 1989 by Anthony K. Shriver, the Best Buddies program has since developed from a single chapter, to reaching countries worldwide. Eight formal programs within it engage approximately 800,000 individuals around the world.

The high school program includes about 45 students and officers, with and without disabilities, as well as two faculty advisors. Erin Gomes has taken the main leadership role as the chapter coordinator, with a strong team of officers: Gabby Gilmore, a senior as president; Corey Lacey, a senior, as the vice president; Thalia Rivers, a junior as treasurer; Sarah Lacey as secretary; and Sylvia Cooley as the educational faculty coordinator.

The high school has been trying to open a South Hadley chapter for seven years, with a cost of $7,000. After meeting with the area director and program coordinator last year, South Hadley was told that the way in which the chapters are opened has changed, reducing the cost to $300 annually. This money will be earned by the members of the group through fundraising projects, including a bake sale before Christmas break.

Before beginning the program, president Gabby Gilmore and vice president Corey Lacey, attended the annual Best Buddies International Leadership Conference in Indiana. There, they learned how to begin and maintain an efficient Best Buddies chapter, and the skills it takes to be a buddy. Gilmore said, “It was a lot of fun. It was great hearing the stories of the different matches. Overall, it was inspirational and moving.”

The South Hadley chapter, despite a slow start, is beginning to pick up. A “Matching Party” was held as the kick-off event, where the buddies were introduced to each other. There, they took pictures together, and there was a raffle, snacks, and drinks. There was a lot of excitement for the buddies. Thalia Rivers, a junior, said, “it was extremely fun!”

Later in the year, Best Buddies will participate in the “Spread the Word to End the Word” campaign, which will raise awareness about the effects of offensive language towards those with disabilities.

The goal of Best Buddies for its opening year is to keep all of the members interested and having a good time. Every two months, the South Hadley chapter will partake in events with other chapters in the area. Spring will bring the Friendship Walk in Look Park, as well as the first ever Western MA Semi-formal.

Aaron Lander, a senior and member of the program, has had an especially positive experience. Three years ago, Lander joined Best Buddies through the Jewish Community Center in East Longmeadow, and has two buddies there as well. Recently, he enjoyed a Springfield Falcons game with two of his buddies, and had a “boys night.” Lander and his buddies also share many common interests, which is a key aspect of the buddy system. Football, video games, and ice skating are among some of the activities that the group enjoys together.

Best Buddies also aims to have positive lasting effects on its members. In Lander’s case, he agrees that “he has improved as a person.” Gomes said he is “more outgoing, and more willing to try new things.” Lander concluded the interview with, “Best Buddies has definitely changed my life.”

Overall, the Best Buddies program has been a positive addition for the high school. Gomes said, “both the buddies and the students with disabilities will benefit; they will both learn from each other.”