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From their smiles, easy conversations, and evident friendship, watching Aiden and Yasmin at the Best Buddies Friendship Walk with their high school team perfectly illustrates the Best Buddies mission in action. As seniors at Thomas Edison High School, Aiden and Yasmin have been matched in a one-to-one friendship since freshman year, and Best Buddies has made a lasting impact on their lives. Their commitment is clear through Yasmin’s leadership as Chapter President and Aiden’s role as Buddy Director over the past two years.

Aiden loves being friends with Yasmin, sharing, “I love to go out to lunch with my buddy, Yasmin, and play games in the cafeteria like Headbands, Spot It, and Jenga.” Yasmin fondly remembers their first Best Buddies Prom, which was also their first prom ever, as one of her favorite memories with Aiden.

Best Buddies has profoundly impacted the Edison High School community through various events organized by the chapter, including Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month and the Spread the Word to End the Word campaign. Seeing so many friendships between people with different abilities from across Virginia and D.C. reminded Aiden and Yasmin that they are part of a welcoming and cherished community.

As Aiden and Yasmin prepare to graduate this year, they have messages for their fellow students. Aiden encourages, “everyone at Edison to keep up the good work,” while Yasmin urges members to “stay involved with the Best Buddies community – it is simply the best!”

– Aiden and Yasmin, Best Buddies Friendship Pair