Funding is provided for all Best Buddies chapters in Henry County, which allows students at school to participate in a friendship program free of cost. Buddies (students with disabilities) are matched with peers (students without disabilities) and participate in group and one-to-one activities to allow optimal engagement. It is Best Buddies’ hope that these opportunities once a month after school for an hour will lead students to create more inclusive communities as they grow in life. People reach people through friendship, acceptance, and interaction.
Membership in any Best Buddies chapter is open to all students in good standing with their school administration without regard to race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, or politics. Elementary, middle, and high school members include students in both general education and special education. Each school chapter establishes a leadership team of administrators, teachers, or paraprofessionals.
The monthly activities raise awareness within the school and community about Best Buddies and provide students with the opportunity to connect and build relationships with peers who have disabilities. The Leadership Team plans the activities, which occur after school for an hour once a month (except for the High School chapters). By offering integrated lessons and games, students develop greater understanding, acceptance, and friendships organically with peers of all abilities.
Congratulations to W.G. Rhea Elementary School for being awarded Tennessee's Elementary Outstanding Chapter of the 2023-2024 Year with Best Buddies!!! Thank you so much to all the chapter leaders, members, and families for your hard work and dedication to achieve such an amazing award!
Best Buddies Tennessee is excited to celebrate and recognize the 2023-2024 Outstanding Chapters of the Year. The following chapters are leaders of inclusion in their communities and continue to exceed expectations. They are truly creating change and driving the mission forward through member engagement, creative chapter activities, and strong cultures of inclusion. Congratulations, W.G. Rhea Elementary School, Sunset Middle School, Rhea County High School, and the University of Tennessee-Knoxville!
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230-B Tyson Ave #197 Paris, TN 38242
