Over 40 Yorktown High School students gathered in the cafeteria for their first Best Buddies chapter meeting of the 2024-2025 school year, kicking things off with an ice cream party and a variety of board games.

Since the chapter’s founding in 2006, Yorktown Best Buddies has been a leader in fostering friendship and inclusion, with almost 900 students joining since 2010. Even throughout the pandemic, Best Buddies Yorktown stayed dedicated to creating friendship and ending isolation through virtual activities such as crafts, holiday card-making, or watching movies.

Now back and ready for another year of fun, Chapter Presidents Elizabeth and Avery served up scoops of chocolate and vanilla ice cream to eager students. Everyone had a blast decorating their sundaes with chocolate syrup and sprinkles before heading to tables to enjoy friendly rounds of Chutes and Ladders, Connect Four, Headbanz, and more. As laughter filled the room, students bonded over games and shared jokes, including the classic, “What’s black and white and red all over? The newspaper!”

New and returning members were excited to share their reasons for joining Best Buddies this year. “I joined Best Buddies to hang out with my buddies,” said Noah, while Jad echoed the sentiment, saying, “I wanted to meet new people, have fun, and have something to do.” For Jad, the highlight of the club is “having a friendship with everyone here.”

Other students, like Charlie, Cooper, and Sam, are already looking forward to upcoming events. “I’m excited for the tie-dye event in two weeks at the park,” Charlie said. Cooper added, “I joined to make new friends, and I’m looking forward to all the fun activities,” while Sam is particularly excited about “the Halloween trick-or-treating and party.”

The Best Buddies Homecoming: Two Parties One Purpose Dance on November 1st is a major highlight on many members’ calendars. “I’m really excited and looking forward to Homecoming,” said Coss, with Beckett and Joseph agreeing that it’s one of the most anticipated events of the year. Hudson, too, shared his enthusiasm, adding, “I joined Best Buddies to hang out with my friends after school, and I’m excited for the Homecoming.”

As the year unfolds, the Yorktown Best Buddies chapter is set to continue its tradition of creating a welcoming, inclusive environment where students can make lasting friendships, enjoy fun activities, and support each other. Jack, reflecting on his experience, summed it up well: “Best Buddies is different for being busy and focusing yourself on life and other things… I hope I get things done and be happy.”

Do you want to join in the fun? Click here to join your school’s chapter or email Lead Program Manager Claire Carrico at clairecarrico@bestbuddies.org to start a chapter at your school.

The Best Buddies Homecoming: Two Parties One Purpose Gala on Friday, November 1st is a special event dedicated to raising essential funds for Best Buddies programs in Virginia & Washington, DC. The event includes a student dance and adult gala. Don’t miss out on the fun! Get your tickets today!