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Columbia High students present Best Buddies program to board, describe inclusion activities
Summary
Skyler Durbin, Columbia High senior and Best Buddies president, and student members described the club's activities—including Friendsgiving, Polar Express outings and a Friendship Walk—and said the chapter advances inclusion for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Skyler Durbin, a senior at Columbia High School and president of the local Best Buddies chapter, told the Columbia CUSD 4 board the student group is focused on combating social isolation among students with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) through friendship, events and leadership.
"Best Buddies is a global nonprofit organization dedicated to creating a world where people with IDD are included, not overlooked," Durbin told the board. She described regular club meetings, social events such as Friendsgiving and field outings (including a Polar Express trip) and participation in the Best Buddies Friendship Walk, where the Columbia chapter had strong community participation.
A student participant described how the club provided a "safe space" and cited personal experiences: outings, peer relationships and leadership opportunities that helped students gain confidence and community connections. Students said the chapter also brings the national Best Buddies mission to the local school through inclusive activities and leadership training.
Board members thanked the students for the presentation and for sharing photos and personal stories. The presenters emphasized that small, consistent interactions (greetings in the hallway, shared meals and social events) create meaningful inclusion for students with IDD.
The board noted its appreciation and moved on to other agenda items after the student presentation.
