Kennedy High School’s Best Buddies chapter focuses on increasing inclusion for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDDs) and developing leadership among students. Kennedy’s chapter has increased involvement, with the help of senior President Addison Kellogg and senior Treasurer Emily Brandt.
Kellogg joined Best Buddies her freshman year, and Brandt her sophomore.
“I joined Best Buddies because I’ve always had a desire to be around individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities. Throughout elementary school, I was always playing with them on the playground at recess. I became friends with so many students with disabilities,” Kellogg said. “In middle school, there were so many opportunities where we were introduced to people who were different from what we were used to.”
Kellogg entered high school with the same mindset, ready to contribute.
“Once I heard about Best Buddies, I thought that sounded so fun,” Kellogg said. “I get to create my own meaningful friendships and meet people through the school, so I went, and I absolutely fell in love.”
Kellogg has been a part of the program for four years and has been a part of the leadership team for the last three. This year, four year member Brandt joined the leadership team as treasurer and has helped the program grow.
“I joined Best Buddies because I have a few cousins who have IDDs, and they didn’t get the same inclusive opportunities that Kennedy has offered through Best Buddies,” Brandt said. “So I wanted to be a part of it here to give them more opportunities.”
Kennedy’s chapter is the largest in the state of Iowa, with roughly 170 members this year and 149 in 2023. Kennedy offers more opportunities every year, including events like Best Buddies Prom, Friendship Ball and Inclusion Week.
“I would say our biggest accomplishment is putting on our Step Into Inclusion Walk this spring because we’re not having help from other organizations,” Brandt said.
With the growth of the club, Best Buddies has expanded their events.
“My freshman year was very small, and not a lot of my friends did it. Now it has grown to lots of students in all grades,” Kellogg said.
Members get to see their buddies at every event and build relationships between students that may not meet otherwise.
“My favorite memory would be my friendship with Brooke Perez (Senior) because she’s always smiling, and over the last 4 years, you really do get close with your buddy because you’re with each other every single year,” Brandt said.
Best Buddies offers more than local events; it allows students to become leaders. Kellogg spent her summer training at the Best Buddies Leadership Conference (BBLC) in Indiana.
“It’s a really great weekend where you learn so much, and build so many new relationships, then you get to take that high from the weekend, and just you’re so excited for what you’re going to do for your chapter in the years to come,” Kellogg said.
For Brandt, the opportunity and enjoyment came from the monthly activities and getting to know every member.
“My drive comes from that environment. Andrew Tipton (Senior), for example, you can’t be having a bad day when you’re around Andrew. He’s always going to make you feel better, such positivity that comes from this environment,” Brandt said.
As Brandt and Kellogg prepare to graduate, they have great expectations for Best Buddies and the chapter’s future.
“My goal for future leaders is to continue to get community involvement. Having other companies and other people come in and work during our events makes it more fun for everyone,” Brandt said. “You can get caught up a lot in what you have to do instead of enjoying what the club is all about.”
