Best Buddies is ramping up their activities in the next few months, making the world a better place, one friendship at a time. Throughout the year, clubs have many fundraisers and activities to keep students engaged in their interests. There is  one club that  includes everyone: Best Buddies. As a part of the Connecticut chapters, Woodland Best Buddies has been collaborating with many schools during this current year. 

One of the most anticipated events of the year is the annual prom. As a dazzling night under the stars, the club is joined by friends from the Pomperaug Regional High School chapter to celebrate friendship, fun, and laughter. 

“The best part about Best Buddies Prom is getting to witness students with all different abilities get to enjoy the night while having their accommodations met,” states club president Payton Geary.  “Different students get overwhelmed by different things and have their own preferences. The best thing about the prom and about organizing the prom is getting to ensure that everyone is comfortable and making people feel seen and understood.” 

It isn’t just an event for the buddies, but for everyone else as well. 

“The best part of Best Buddies Prom is seeing the smiles we are putting on people’s faces, but the dancing and having fun is also amazing because we are spreading inclusion,” said board member Ella Iannone.

Everyone will dress to impress April 25, 2026, for the annual prom celebration hosted at the Prospect Fire House.

After dancing the night away, the club wakes up early to walk for inclusion. The chapter always participates in the annual Friendship Walk at Dunkin’ Donuts Park in Hartford, which takes place on April 26, 2026, 

The mission of this event is not only just to walk, but also to support the Best Buddies programs in schools, workplaces, and communities, making the world more welcoming to people with IDDs (intellectual or developmental disability).  From different craft stations, food vendors, and friends galore, it is a big party celebrating inclusion

 “Best Buddies is all about inclusion, so getting everyone in one space to enjoy some fun activities really emphasizes what it’s all about,” said Geary. “The most important part of the friendship walk is socialization, and getting everyone together.” 

The Woodland chapter prides itself on fun and welcoming environments for all, as each meeting always has fun crafts and snacks to appeal to everyone. It gives members like Geary a chance to build skills that they need for the future. 

“Being on the board is so great because you get to create the environment for the buddies and do your best to provide an inviting and fun atmosphere for everyone in the chapter.” 

For one weekend in April, Best Buddies comes together to prove that inclusion is more than just a goal—it is a way of life.