Best Buddies, with over 120+ members, is the biggest club on campus. Senior Deeba Badie, the club president, has been part of Best Buddies for all four years of high school, forming together a community for students with an intellectual or developmental disability (IDD).
“My goal is to promote inclusion, bring awareness and form long lasting friendships with these kids,” said Deeba.
The club hosts events that range from holiday celebrations to a sports event. One of them includes the annual pink out football game, this year on Oct. 18, to promote awareness and to provide the kids with an opportunity to make memories that could last a lifetime.
“It’s amazing, they run across the field with everyone cheering them on,” beams Deeba.
From joining the club freshman year to now, Deeba reflects on the amount of personal growth she has experienced over the years: “it has helped me grow as a person and with my patience as well,” Deeba continues, “making connections with the kids and helping the club grow into what it’s become today.”
She continues to expand her passion through volunteering at Gigi’s Playhouse, a non-profit organization that provides support and a place for individuals with Down syndrome to hangout and at different camps specialized for kids with disabilities. “I took Best Buddies and expanded on that, and found more opportunities,” explained Deeba.
She also mentions one of her closest friendships with a girl named Diana, a student who is a part of Best Buddies with an IDD.
“She calls me every night and we talk all the time. She’s truly the nicest person ever,” Deeba continues, “she has the kindest soul. I can’t express how much she and Best Buddies as a whole has changed my life.”
For future plans, this year the club is organizing a fundraiser to help support a trip to Disneyland to create a memorable experience for all involved.
“Join Best Buddies, it’s a beautiful experience and you’ll have the best time of your life” assures Deeba.
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