> Features > Pg 2 Feature Stories > Buddies become friends in new program
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Buddies become friends in new program
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(From left) Two Minnechaug Regional High School Best Buddies program pairs, Kristen Coffey, Alyse LaRoche, Sarah Lagunowich, Colleen Dorsey and President of the club Samantha Windolaski pose for the camera last week. Reminder Publications photo by Danielle Paine
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By Danielle Paine
Reminder Assistant Editor
WILBRAHAM Twenty-four students at Minnechaug Regional High School have found friends in unexpected people this year.
They all have classes under the same roof though their paths have rarely crossed and their lives are very different.
In November, the Best Buddies Program began at the high school, pairing typical students with disabled students of the school's Lower Pioneer Valley Education Collaborative for friendship.
Sophomore Kristen Coffey was paired with Alyse LaRoche, 20. They have since seen movies, gone to dances and shopped together at the mall.
"I just thought it would be a good thing because they make up a big part of the school and I wanted to get to know them," Coffey said about joining the new chapter of this program. "I was surprised at how similar Alyse was to me. It's not at all hard to hang around with her, it's a lot of fun."
The program is the first extra-curricular activity for the school's disabled students. They are grateful and having a great time, expressed student LaRoche.
"Kristen is flexible enough to watch me so that my mother doesn't have to be with me all of the time," LaRoche said. "It gives me some independence."
Special Education Teacher Paula Loughman said the group has given her students a way to feel more mainstream.
"This makes everyone feel like they're part of a big group of friends which is especially important in high school," Loughman explained.
Senior Colleen Dorsey works with the disabled students as an intern and wanted the opportunity to do things with them outside of school.
Using her Lightwriter, a speech tool, Dorsey's "Buddy" Sarah Lagunowich typed "Best friend Colleen," and "Best Buddies is fun."
To initially get acquainted with this program, students had the opportunity spend time with disabled peers during a field trip to the Boston Science Museum. Of the 50 who went, those who remained interested submitted applications. They later attended a "match party" to meet the disabled students who best matched their hobbies and interests. Twelve matches were made.
"It's gone extremely well for our first year," said Student President of the chapter, Samantha Windolaski.
Windolaski has also been a volunteer at the Special Olympics for four summers.
"I had so much fun there that I wanted to do it all year," she said about getting involved with Best Buddies.
This summer she will meet with other chapter presidents at a leadership conference in Indianapolis. To afford this trip and some planned outings with their buddies, the group will be doing several fund-raising projects this year. The first is being held by parents and community members who are equally excited about the induction of this program into the school.
A night of dinner, dancing and a cabaret show featuring Linda Houle Calise of "GQ and the Lady" is being held on April 14 at the Elmcrest Country Club in East Longmeadow. Tickets are $35 per person or $65 per couple and may be purchased in advance by calling 566-3624.
Donations toward group outings and the Best Buddies annual community service project are always being accepted by Faculty Advisor Suzanne Lynch, 596-9011. This year's project, which will get underway this spring will be either a flower planting or a clean-up of the school's courtyard.
Windolaski explained that the program breaks during the summer, though she doesn't think anyone will stop hanging out. LaRoche has already invited Coffey to her 21st birthday party and her bowling team's end-of-year celebration.
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> Features > Pg 2 Feature Stories > Buddies become friends in new program
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