Best Buddies is a club that has been established for a while and helps special needs students have a safe place to hang out, have fun, and make new friendships with other students.

It is a club formed by students that helps fundraise and host events such as Buddies Brew to help special needs students with their social skills and to help them connect with other students on campus.

Jolie Jenson, a junior here on campus and president of the Best Buddies Club, works to create fun activities for the students with special needs.

“I work with my leadership team to plan activities to ensure that they will be fun, but also promote cooperation with other peers,” Jensen said. 

Best Buddies has attracted many students to join the club and has made students form friendships while working to create amazing memories and contribute to students’ lives. Jolie further explained how Best Buddies has affected hers.

“I wanted to join Best Buddies because I saw the incredible friendships this club was able to create,” Jensen said. “Since joining, I have made so many wonderful friends who have become an important part of my life. The community of Best Buddies is amazing and something you can’t get anywhere else.”

The club has impacted a lot of student’s lives and has even taught them many things as well. Jolie explained the improvements she has seen while being a part of Best Buddies.

“I think the club has affected the students since they have joined because they have all become much more outgoing and confident,” Jensen said. 

Best Buddies is known for hosting many events during the school year. One event that stands out for Jolie is the Cougar Relays. 

“My favorite event that Best Buddies has done is Cougar Relays because we get to see the Best Buddies Clubs from other schools, and we get to create many fun games for them,” Jensen said.

Jenson also explained the importance of Best Buddies and how the club works to make a difference.

“It is important to have a club like Best buddies because this club gives people with or without disabilities a chance to form great friendships and community at school,” Jensen said.

Mr. Daniel Fernandez, an education specialist and advisor to the Best Buddies Club explained how Jensen is as a president and how she helps the students.

“As best Buddies President, Jolie helps to organize the monthly meetings and parties. She does all of this with her friendly demeanor and amazing personality,” Fernandez said. “Her smile and kindness are contagious and all of these qualities make it easier for our students to make friends with all other students on campus.”

Fernandez also explained how much Jensen has done to benefit the program and his students.

“The best thing that Jolie has done this year is to inspire students to get involved. She has invited others to join our club for the first time and has pushed the idea that anyone, regardless of their abilities, can be friends,” Fernandez said.

Best Buddies is a club that continues to strive to spread awareness and advocate for inclusion.