{"id":181716,"date":"2024-05-29T11:51:30","date_gmt":"2024-05-29T15:51:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bestbuddies.org\/?p=181716"},"modified":"2024-05-30T09:06:44","modified_gmt":"2024-05-30T13:06:44","slug":"smithfield-high-school-a-story-of-mission-expansion-and-new-friendships-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.bestbuddies.org\/vadc\/bb-at-uva-receives-prestigious-james-earle-sargeant-award-from-secret-seven-society","title":{"rendered":"Best Buddies at the University of Virginia Receives Prestigious James Earle Sargeant Award from Secret Seven Society"},"content":{"rendered":"
[vc_row][vc_column width=”1\/6″][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”2\/3″][vc_single_image image=”181717″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” css=””][vc_column_text css=””]The Seven Society recognized the chapter for \u201cembracing differences and fostering care and love for one another.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n
Best Buddies at the University of Virginia was awarded the prestigious James Earle Sargeant Award from the Seven Society. The award recognizes a student organization that has worked consistently to benefit the University community.<\/p>\n
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The Seven Society, founded around 1905, is the university\u2019s most secretive secret society with a significant philanthropic presence.<\/p>\n
In an inspirational and reflective letter (photographed and typed below), the Seven Society celebrates Best Buddies and UVA\u2019s unwavering dedication to friendship and inclusion, which has enriched the university community, writing:<\/p>\n
\u201cThrough the impactful work that they do, they teach us all a profound lesson in humanity \u2013 that in the simple act of extending a hand, we have the power to transform lives. Though they may not always see it, every student\u2019s life is touched by the sincerity, understanding, and generosity that Best Buddies infuses into our community.\u201d<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n
There are only seven members of the Seven Society at a time, and their identities are not revealed until their death. Notable members include Edward Stettinius, Jr., secretary of state under Presidents Roosevelt and Truman, and first US ambassador to the United Nations; Frank Wisner, head of the Central Intelligence Agency’s Directorate of Plans during the 1950s; and John Lloyd Newcomb, second president of the University of Virginia.<\/p>\n
The Seven Society\u2019s logo is the numeral seven surrounded by the alpha (A), omega (\u03a9), and infinity (\u221e) signs, and is marked, among other places on campus, in front of the Thomas Jefferson statue. The only way to contact the Seven Society is to leave a letter in the crook of Jefferson\u2019s arm or at the statue\u2019s base in the rotunda.<\/p>\n
\u201cGiven the secrecy of the Seven Society,\u201d <\/em>Best Buddies at UVA chapter president Kendall Scherer said, \u201cI have no idea who wrote the letter. To me, this is also a testament to how much we have truly enriched the community.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n
\u201cI think this award shows \u2026 that Best Buddies\u2019 mission is paying off\u2014especially in the places that need it most,\u201d<\/em> Best Buddies at UVA vice president Bea Webster said. \u201cThis award embodies the fact that people with disabilities in Charlottesville and Albemarle County are seen, included, loved, and supported, which was not the case historically.\u201d<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n
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Best Buddies at UVA has been recognized multiple times for its terrific leadership and community impact, winning the Outstanding Chapter of the Year at the annual Best Buddies Leadership Conference in 2023.<\/p>\n
Best Buddies at UVA hosted their own satellite Friendship Walks in 2023 and 2024, which, as the Seven Society wrote, \u201cexemplifies their ethos\u2014an event where laughter and stories emblematic of their mission, transforms mere steps into a march of solidarity, leaving a trail of uplifted hearts and spirits in its wake.\u201d<\/p>\n