Best Buddies in Ohio Chapter Awards 2023-2024

Each year, Best Buddies in Ohio recognizes the outstanding efforts of the incredible people who make up our mission with Chapter Awards. Leadership is an integral part of Best Buddies’ mission of inclusion. Leaders demonstrate self-advocacy, community awareness, and serve as the voices amplifying our movement. This year, we honor:

Chapter of the Year: Amherst Junior High School

Amherst Junior High School has excelled at spreading inclusion since they started with Best Buddies in 2022. Their strong student leaders plan fun events that engage over 30 members. They have even inspired the elementary and high school in their district to start Best Buddies Friendship Chapters. This year, over 100 people joined the Amherst Junior High School team for the Cleveland Friendship Walk. We are inspired by the AJHS Chapter’s dedicated involvement in Best Buddies and the ability these students and teachers have to start a movement in their community.

Rookie Chapter of the Year: Boardman High School

We are happy to welcome Boardman High School to Best Buddies in Ohio this school year. In their short time with us, we have recognized the true spirit of inclusion in these students. Their chapter is filled with joyous members, fun events, and most importantly, genuine friendships. This special group of students have had a great time playing games together, eating lunch, and especially showing their moves playing Just Dance in the lunchroom. We know there are great things in store for this wonderful new chapter.

Buddy Pair of the Year: Brooklynn Bowers and Tiffany Schatzle Edgewood High School

Brooklynn and Tiffany have been Buddies for two years. Their close and goofy friendship, enhanced by mutually communicating in American Sign Language inspired a feature story on the Best Buddies International website in March. They support each other on happy and sad days and are experts at making each other smile. Brooklynn and Tiffany hang out regularly and have attended the Cincinnati Friendship Walk together twice. These women share a special bond that represents our core mission of inclusion.

Chapter Advisor of the Year: Lauren Stover Wooster High School

Lauren Stover started a Best Buddies Friendship Chapter at Wooster High School in the Fall of 2022. Lauren is organized, student-centered, and pumped up about inclusion. The Best Buddies Chapter at Wooster High School has doubled in size over the past two years under her leadership. Lauren continues to advocate for her students with and without disabilities. We honor her commitment to inclusion and outstanding leadership in Best Buddies.

Chapter Leader of the Year: Molly Morris University of Dayton

Molly Morris has shown exemplary leadership in Best Buddies. Having been involved since her freshman year at the University of Dayton (UD), Molly took on the role of Chapter President this year. Through her leadership, the UD Best Buddies Chapter put on their own satellite Friendship Walk, welcoming over 70 people to celebrate inclusion in Dayton. Molly’s vibrant spirit and effective leadership made waves this year.

Thank you to everyone who has contributed to the success of Best Buddies in Ohio this 2023 – 2024 school year. We value all the time and effort that our growing community dedicates to making our mission possible in Ohio. We are proud to honor these leaders who have inspired greatness in our community this year.