We Are Best Buddies: Recognizing Exceptional Student Leadership

by KATIE KIRKLAND

A “We are Best Buddies” Moment

LC group at the 80's dance

Barbie and Max

CBDs

LC Group

Virginia LC Group Cheering

“The Friday after our chapter’s match party, I took my buddy, Ivan, to see a movie. He had a blast! After I dropped him off, he called me and told me that I was his best friend and that no one has ever been so nice to him. He continued on to say that Best Buddies is the best club. It made me feel really good that I had helped him, and I knew that our friendship would be fantastic throughout the year.”

- Max Baran, Lake Braddock Chapter President

As we celebrate 20 years of Best Buddies with the theme of “We are Best Buddies”, we want to recognize the dedication and commitment behind our success. Thank you to the following students for leading Best Buddies chapters across Virginia:

2008-2009 Best Buddies Virginia Presidents

Middle School Chapter
Sterling Middle School - Morgan O'Connell

High School Chapters
Centreville High School - Carrie Watson
Chantilly High School - Heather Meraw
Lake Braddock Secondary School - Max Baran
Langley High School - Zach Myers
Marshall High School - Annie O'Brien
Oakton High School - K Scarry
Potomac Falls High School - Melanie Wetzel
T.C. Williams High School - Jasmine Bagley
Wakefield High School - Jessica Massie
Westfield High School - Hannah Miller
W.T. Woodson High School - Jamie Choi
Yorktown High School - Ben Reifsnyder

College Chapters
George Mason University - Nirali Raval
James Madison University - Stephanie Duston
Roanoke College - Laura Swatyna
University of Mary Washington - Sarah Pierson
University of Virginia - Deena Becker
Virginia Commonwealth University - Ryan Hannifin
Virginia Tech - Kaitlin Bourne

2009-2010 Best Buddies Virginia Presidents

Middle School Chapter
Sterling Middle School - Charlotte Rothman

High School Chapters
Centreville High School - Rachel Bisaga
Chantilly High School - Lauren Summerill
HB Woodlawn Secondary School - Stratford Program - Carter Volz
Lake Braddock Secondary School - Max Baran
Langley High School - Zach Myers
Marshall High School - Annie O'Brien
Oakton High School - K Scarry
Potomac Falls High School - Kaeley Brady
T.C. Williams High School - Emma Cordell
Wakefield High School - Karina Carlson
Westfield High School - Diana Fertitta
W.T. Woodson High School - Sarah Rocha
Yorktown High School - Kelsey Patterson

College Chapters
George Mason University - Nirali Raval
James Madison University - Allie Leff
Roanoke College - Katie Scott
University of Mary Washington - Chelsea Brown
University of Virginia - Deena Becker
Virginia Commonwealth University - Kayla Diggs
Virginia Tech - Scott Corrigan

For more information, contact:

Katie Kirkland | Program Manager
Phone: (703) 533-9420
E-Mail: katiekirkland@bestbuddies.org