November 2025

When Keira Watson, a senior at Sacred Heart Academy, first learned about Best Buddies through Advisory Board Member Shannon Masterson, she was immediately inspired to get involved and champion inclusion within her school community. This passion quickly transformed into action. Earlier this year, Keira launched a brand‑new Best Buddies chapter at Sacred Heart, which has already engaged nearly 60 students in meaningful friendship‑building and leadership development opportunities. Her vision and commitment have helped create a culture where students of all abilities feel valued, welcomed, and included.

Keira’s dedication extends far beyond the classroom. She partnered with Sacred Heart’s athletics program to elevate the annual Rock the Heart lacrosse game into a fundraiser for Best Buddies in Kentucky. The event, held in collaboration with Trinity High School, is a longstanding tradition — one that brings both teams together for a night of friendly rivalry and charitable impact. This year’s charity was chosen specifically because Keira serves as president of Sacred Heart’s Best Buddies chapter, reinforcing her influence and leadership within the school community. All proceeds from the event were directed to Best Buddies in Kentucky, supporting the organization’s mission to create opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).

The fundraising effort was a tremendous success. Thanks to Keira’s leadership and the enthusiastic support of the school community, the Rock the Heart game raised nearly $8,000 for Best Buddies programs across Kentucky — a remarkable accomplishment for a student‑led initiative. Her dedication reflects the tremendous potential young leaders have to make a meaningful difference when they rally their peers around a cause that matters.

As a 2025 Champion Candidate, Keira continues to embody the spirit of inclusion, advocacy, and service. Her work demonstrates the profound impact one student can make when they lead with compassion, purpose, and a commitment to creating a more inclusive world for all.