Best Buddies / Overview

What is Best Buddies?

Best Buddies® is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to enhancing the lives of people with disabilities by providing opportunities for one-to-one friendships. Best Buddies was founded in 1989 by Anthony Kennedy Shriver. Best Buddies is designed to improve the school environment by promoting friendships between individuals with disabilities (Buddies) and individuals without disabilities (Peer Buddies). Socialization is one of the simplest yet most often underestimated solution to the pattern of exclusion. In addition to the benefit of developing new friendships, Best Buddies also gives students unique opportunities for leadership.

Best Buddies-Sterling Middle School Chapter

Sterling Middle School was the FIRST active middle school chapter in Virginia and was the only chapter for 5 years. This will be our 6th year participating in Best Buddies here at Sterling Middle School. In May 2011, Best Buddies Sterling won an award for top middle school at the Best Buddies Friendship Walk- GO TEAM STERLING!

When Do We Meet?

The Best Buddies Club will meet on the Third Thursday of each month from 3:25 to 4:20 (see calendar for each scheduled meeting) in Art 1. Students will either take the activities bus or parents must provide transportation.

Where Do I Find More Information?

If there are any questions or concerns please call either Miss Trautner or Mrs. Matyuf at the school at 571-434-4520. You can also e-mail us at: Allison.Trautner@lcps.org or Susan.Matyuf@lcps.org. You may also talk to Mrs. Lockwood or Mrs. Trautner, who are the other SMS faculty advisors for Best Buddies.

How Do I Join?
Any student interested in joining Best Buddies must fill out a Membership application. Applications must be filled out and submitted online this year at www.bestbuddiesonline.org. Just click on "Membership Application" and "Middle School." You do not have to login. Parents must also sign a consent form and have their child turn that form in to Miss Trautner in room Art 1 or Mrs. Matyuf in room B18. Students who do not have access to computers at home may obtain an application at school in the cafeteria, Art 1 or B18. Please make sure that the Parent Consent form has been signed and turned in with the application.

If you are interested in learning more about the middle school programs, you may contact Jan Rivas, BBVA Program Supervisor, at (703)533-9420 or janrivas@bestbuddies.org.

You may also view short videos about Best Buddies at www.bestbuddies.org/press/media-downloads.

Last Modified on December 1, 2011