Woodland Regional High School’s Best Buddies chapter is gearing up to welcome students from across Region 16 and beyond for its first-ever Best Buddies Christmas Party, set to take place Monday, December 15, after school in the WRHS cafeteria.

The event is being organized by Clara Sweetland, Vice President in WRHS’s Best Buddies program, who began planning the celebration earlier this fall. Sweetland said the idea for the party took shape shortly after she attended the Best Buddies Leadership Conference in July, where she connected with chapter presidents from nearby towns.

“I did go to the Best Buddies leadership conference over the summer and was able to make very good friends with surrounding chapter presidents,” Sweetland said. “So it’s in collaboration with Seymour, Pomperaug, and Watertown, and they’re all coming here on December 15th… we’re all going to have a great big get-together to celebrate the Christmas season.”

According to Sweetland, planning began back in September, when she started sharing the idea with neighboring chapters and organizing the details. This year marks the first time WRHS Best Buddies has hosted a holiday event of this scale, and Sweetland hopes it becomes a tradition.

The party aims to bring students of all abilities together to celebrate friendship, inclusion, and holiday cheer. With multiple chapters participating, the event will serve not only as a seasonal celebration but also as a chance for peer buddies across districts to connect and build community.

The WRHS Best Buddies Christmas Party will take place directly after school on December 15 in the cafeteria. Students involved in Best Buddies—or interested in learning more about the program—are encouraged to attend and join in the celebration.