Every year in October the Warren Hills Best Buddies program rallies up its members and buddies for a morning full of board games and breakfast.

This year, Best Buddies has been wildly successful, with 115 current members, which is the largest it’s ever been. 

The “Breakfast and Board Games” started Oct. 17 in the high school library with an introduction by the officer members and their adviser, English Teacher Toni Manfra. 

Officers include seniors Ashna Sabharwal, Tyrik Iman-Washington, Amelia Albrecht and Donna Iuvone, and juniors Addison Wood, Brynn Nemeth, Lainee Henry and Boyan (Bobby) Balchev.  

This presentation included what the club is about, the goals this year for the club and events planned for the year. 

This event took weeks of preparation by the members. General club members were able to help out by bringing in breakfast foods and board games. Food options were available, including bagels, muffins, cookies and donuts. Board games ranged from Connect 4 to Monopoly. 

“It was so fulfilling having the turnout we did,” said Wood, president of Warren Hills’ Best Buddies. “Even students who could not attend helped out and donated food for the event. We are so grateful for all of our amazing members and are looking forward to a really successful year.” 

Observers said that the event was highly enjoyable, with participants forming new friendships and experiencing a morning filled with laughter and friendly competition. Club officers agreed that it truly exemplified the mission and impact of Best Buddies. 

The Warren Hills club is part of the nonprofit Best Buddies International, which, according to its website, exists to foster one-to-one friendships, leadership development and other opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). 

“I believe this event was a great start for Best Buddies,” said junior Kaitlyn Conklin. “It started great friendships and was overall an amazing way to get to know one another.”

Other events the club runs throughout the year include Trick-Or-Treating in October, Friendsgiving in November, Caroling with Warren Hills Choir in December, Karaoke in January, Valentine’s Day Party in February, Inclusion activities in March, a semi-formal dance in April and a field day in May to end the school year.

“My favorite Best Buddies event is Trick-Or- Treating,” said junior Logan Young. “It is a really fun event that everyone has the ability to participate in, since it is after school.”

The Best Buddies “Breakfast and Board Games” was a resounding success with over 80 attendees and was a great kick-start for the exciting year ahead