One Pack, All Belong

Wolfpack Buddies is a student-led club at Park High School (PHS) that pairs students receiving special education services with peers in general education to build meaningful, one-to-one friendships. The club is part of Best Buddies International, a global nonprofit dedicated to establishing opportunities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).

Through intentional pairings, students are matched as “buddies” for the school year. These pairs commit to spending time together regularly, eating lunch, attending school activities, studying or simply hanging out. The club also hosts monthly events designed to bring everyone together in a relaxed, welcoming environment. 

For students receiving special education services, having a consistent peer connection can help increase confidence, communication skills and participation in the broader school community. 

“I will always remember making friendship bracelets with my buddy,” says junior Jazzy Stafford. 

“My favorite thing we did was making cookies together and decorating for the holidays,” says sophomore Elliott Bird.

For general education students, the experience can be equally transformative. Members often say they gain a deeper understanding of inclusion, empathy and advocacy.

“I didn’t expect to feel such fulfillment,” says the club’s co-president, senior Paige Stewart. “It is such a fun environment and we all feel the impact of lifting up each other.”

“I never would have had the chance to build a friendship with my buddy otherwise,” said junior Kroix Pearson. “Our paths don’t naturally cross at school, but being a buddy leader has given me the chance to make friends and build a bridge to create more inclusion and, honestly, more fun. We have so much fun together.”

Wolfpack Buddies also creates leadership opportunities. Students serve as chapter leaders, organize events, recruit members and promote inclusive messaging throughout the school. The club’s co-president, senior Camilla Brooks led the charge on organizing PHS’s first unified dance. 

“We wanted to create another opportunity for students to be able to participate in a school dance at the same time as the winter formal,” says Camilla. “We had a room that was adjacent to the main school dance that we decorated and made a sensory-friendly experience so that students could pop in between the main dance and the unified room as needed.”

“I had so much fun at the unified dance,” says senior Quinn Schwartz. “So many people came to the dance, it was great.”

“Advocating for others has helped me better advocate for myself,” says Camilla.  “Everyone is equal and we all can make an impact.”

“This club has been the highlight of my career as a teacher,” says club advisor Robert Carrero. “Seeing the dedication and advocacy our buddy leaders have and the relationships and social skills our buddies gain is invaluable.” 

Wolfpack Buddies creates a space where differences are celebrated, friendships are prioritized and every student has the opportunity to belong. The club embodies the spirit of the PHS motto: We Run as One.