Three teachers at Noblesville West Middle School (NWMS) have been nominated as Champions of the Year in the Best Buddies program for their work fostering a positive and inclusive environment for students with special needs. Abby McKean, Anne Maslanka and Zella Hendrickson are campaigning for Champion of the Year.
Best Buddies is the world’s largest organization dedicated to ending the social, physical and economic isolation of the 200 million people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). The program is designed to create one-to-one friendships and opportunities for integrated employment and leadership development that are changing the world.
Noblesville’s Best Buddies fund-raising team shows off their #WAT (“We Are Together”) bracelets. (Photo provided)
Hendrickson, who has been involved with Best Buddies for three years, spoke to The Reporter about her involvement in the program.
“One of my co-sponsors, Abby McKean, who teaches sixth grade at NWMS and coaches Special Olympics Volleyball, approached me and our other Co-Sponsor, Anne Maslanka, to see if we had any interest in starting a Best Buddies Chapter at NWMS,” Hendrickson said. “Anne and I are both Special Education teachers at NWMS and most of our students are Best Buddies members. So of course, we said, ‘Yes!’ Noblesville East Middle School & Noblesville High School both have Best Buddies chapters as well.”
Hendrickson said there are several students with IDD involved in Band and Choir where ‘buddies’ assist them in class and preparation for performances.
“These opportunities are just examples of how we see programs such as Best Buddies work and how everyone accepts each other regardless of their disability,” Hendrickson said.
When asked the value she sees in the program, Hendrickson told The Reporter, “It’s all about acceptance and inclusion! Everyone involved feels accepted and included. You see this happen not only in our meetings but throughout out NWMS. For example, one of our Best Buddies members, eighth-grade student Noah Morris, is the manager for the eighth-grade NWMS football team. How cool is that?”
While there are many aspects to the program, Hendrickson shared her personal favorite.
Photo provided
“My all-time favorite Best Buddies meeting is when one of our members with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) celebrates their birthday,” Hendrickson said. “All the other members make birthday cards, sing and parents bring in birthday treats to share. It’s so much fun! A birthday celebration may seem odd to be my favorite meeting but, most of our members with IDD don’t experience a birthday party in which a lot of friends attend. The joy and excitement in their eyes, as well as the other members eyes, is amazing. It’s just an awesome experience to apart of and straight from the heart!”
One of the goals set for those who are nominated as Champion of the Year is to raise funds to help support Best Buddies International.
Mike and Jen Morris, parents of Noah Morris, told The Reporter, “Noblesville West Middle School has been nominated as one of the few chapters in Indiana as Champion of the Year. Champion of the Year is a fundraiser to help Best Buddies. The Campaign opens doors for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The goal for West is to be known for more than just what happened in May. We are asking for donations to help West Middle School win.”
Noah is playing a large role in helping his school win this honor.
Photo provided
“We nominated Noah Morris to be our campaign manager,” Hendrickson said. “The kick-off party was on Sept. 13 and runs until Nov. 10. The Champion of the Year winner will be announced at the Annual Best Buddies Gala to be held at the Indiana Roof Ballroom. All donations collected go towards Best Buddies Indiana. We are very excited and working hard towards winning.”
The NWMS fundraising goal is $30,000. They have contacted over 50 businesses and corporations in and around Noblesville asking for donations or auction items. Marco’s Pizza, 11 S. Harbour Drive, Noblesville, is holding a fundraiser on Oct. 11. Chick-fil-A, 16685 Mercantile Blvd., Noblesville, is holding one Oct. 25. NWMS is also selling T-shirts for $10.
Click here if you would like to donate to the Best Buddies program.