September 2025 – John Hardin High School

Best Buddies in Kentucky recently hosted a vibrant and high‑energy Leadership Training Day at John Hardin High School, bringing together nearly all of our high school and college chapter leaders — including several newly opened schools eager to dive into their first full year of programming. The event served as an important kickoff to the upcoming school year, offering students and advisors an opportunity to connect, collaborate, and build the skills needed to lead inclusive, effective chapters across the Commonwealth.

The day was brought to life through a fun and whimsical Willy Wonka theme, complete with sweet treats, colorful decorations, and exciting “Golden Ticket” prizes that kept participants engaged from start to finish. This creative atmosphere helped set the stage for a memorable day of learning. Attendees took part in hands‑on activities such as a playful “candy salad” icebreaker, which encouraged creativity and team bonding, and a dynamic World Café session designed to spark peer‑to‑peer learning. These rotating small‑group conversations allowed students and advisors to share successful strategies, troubleshoot common challenges, and learn best practices directly from one another.

The energy, collaboration, and excitement shared among officers, advisors, and members throughout the day were truly inspiring. Many participants left the event with clear, actionable next steps to strengthen recruitment efforts, elevate event planning, and deepen inclusion within their chapters this semester. The training also emphasized leadership development, equipping students with the confidence and knowledge needed to serve as role models and advocates within their schools.

To ensure all chapters had access to the same supportive resources, a virtual session was offered for schools unable to attend in person. This inclusive approach ensured that every leader — regardless of location — could benefit from the training.

Overall, Leadership Training Day provided our chapter leaders with the tools, inspiration, and momentum to make a meaningful impact during the 2025–2026 school year. Events like this strengthen our statewide network and reaffirm our shared commitment to building a more inclusive Kentucky where every individual belongs.