On Wednesday March 1, West Potomac High School’s Best Buddies chapter held their Spread the Word to End the Word event . Crowds of students swarmed the giant blue banner and pledged their support to stop using the r-word, Ledo Pizza fed the whole school, and 94.7 Fresh FM Morning Show Host – and Capital Region Board Chair – Tommy McFly spoke to the students about the importance of retiring the r-word.

In the seven years I have known Sam, he truly has become the best friend I have. We like to get ice cream, go to the beach, and take walks in the parks in our area. We can do these activities and just be happy to be in one another’s company. We chat about our surroundings, laugh at stupid things, and enjoy chocolate chip cookie dough ice cream without ever feeling judged.

This extraordinary story starts when Jimmy told his friend Jennifer that he wanted to run a 5k with friends.

There’s an old saying: Sticks and stones may break my bones, but names will never hurt me. … But boy, is that a lie. Alumna Kelly Reymann (’03), assistant director for The Center on Sensory and Complex Disabilities and an adjunct professor of education, is one of many who disdain the r-word: retarded.

In the seven years I have known Sam, he truly has become the best friend I have. We like to get ice cream, go to the beach, and take walks in the parks in our area. We can do these activities and just be happy to be in one another’s company. We chat about our surroundings, laugh at stupid things, and enjoy chocolate chip cookie dough ice cream without ever feeling judged.

The Best Buddies 15th Anniversary Gala: A Celebration of Friendship took place on Saturday, March 4 at the Indiana Roof Ballroom. Over 300 guests attended, enjoying silent and live auctions, a raffle of a beautiful diamond ring sponsored by Master Jewelers, dinner, dancing, and a program emceed by Eric Halvorson.

Featuring over 550 students, 300 parents, 70 VIP guests, 80 volunteers and special celebrity appearances – it was an unforgettable evening. The party kicked-off as students with and without disabilities walked the red carpet together amid the excitement and flashing lights of our prom “paparazzi”.

Buddies teamed up at DeLong Middle School in Eau Claire Wednesday to help end hurtful speech. Groups of students went around to different classrooms to make a presentation and encourage fellow classmates to pledge to stop…

North Rockland High School Best Buddies Promoters Club is proud to present the #RWordStomp2017. Respectful and inclusive language is essential to the movement for the dignity and humanity of people with intellectual disabilities. However, much of society does not recognize the hurtful, dehumanizing and exclusive effects of the R-word.

Sam and Jessica were first matched at Drake University three years ago…