Mark Thompson, the advisor for the McLean High School Best Buddies chapter, was honored at Tyson’s Corner Holiday Kick-Off Event and Tree Lighting Ceremony for his outstanding charitable contributions.

“It was really special because we got to celebrate Mr. Thompson with the buddies to kick off the holiday season,” said Best Buddies officer Ava L.

Mark has been McLean High School Best Buddies’ advisor for over a decade and has been a pillar of support and dedication to the chapter and Best Buddies’ mission of inclusion in our communities.

“I am still shocked how well the surprise was pulled off,” Mark said. “I had absolutely no idea of what was going to happen.”

“I am honored to be part of such an amazing organization whose simple mission is to facilitate genuine friendships,” he continued. “Best Buddies is a win-win situation where both buddies and peer buddies gain mutual benefit from each other, and true long-lasting friendships are born.”

In his years as an advisor, McLean High School Best Buddies has been one of the top school fundraisers for the annual Friendship Walk, raising money to support inclusive programs for people with IDD in Virginia and Washington, DC.

Not only does McLean High School Best Buddies excel in raising funds and awareness, but they also continue to execute incredible events for their members, fostering long and meaningful friendships. For example, Mclean has had themed match parties, paint nights during COVID lockdown, school game nights, and they even created a school bowling team (Go Team Angus!).

The student leadership has excelled throughout the years, with two McLean High School Best Buddies alumni currently serving their tenure as Best Buddies Global Ambassadors, Ava B. and Atticus G.

Passion and excellence come to mind when one mentions McLean High School Best Buddies and we all have Mark Thompson to thank and celebrate for leading the way for our students, parents, and the McLean High School community.