Aidan attends the SAIL Transition Program in the Minnetonka School District and will be graduating in December 2025. He is a well-known participant among the Best Buddies in Minnesota community and never fails to light up a room with his positive energy and smile.

Aidan first got involved with Best Buddies through the University of Minnesota chapter in the fall of 2022, where he was matched with his first buddy, PJ. The two enjoyed getting together and talking about sports, going out to eat, and laughing together. He was then selected as the Buddy Director for the UMN chapter and served in that role from 2023 to 2025. He has had 2 buddies since getting involved and most recently was matched with his buddy, Sam Boime, in 2024.

“Aidan is someone who you can always count on to make you laugh, and our nightly FaceTime calls are always the highlight of my day. I have some of the most fun I’ve ever had hanging out with Aidan and I just love the guy,” shared Sam.

Aidan also attended Best Buddies Leadership Conference (BBLC) in 2024 on the College track and most recently attended 2025 BBLC on the Ambassador track.

“To say Aidan had the time of his life at the Best Buddies Leadership Conference is such an understatement. He was engaged in the sessions, loved meeting new people from across the country, and thoroughly enjoyed the evening celebrations. I’ve already noticed the sense of responsibility and fulfillment he feels from being part of it. Best Buddies has been one of the most important and meaningful organizations for Aidan. With a focus on true friendship, leadership skills, and inclusion, Best Buddies is removing the barriers that can be so isolating for those with extra needs,” shared Danielle Dahlstrom, Aidan’s mom.

Aside from Best Buddies, Aidan is very involved with Special Olympics Minnesota and works at the Sunshine Stop. This past summer, Aidan was sworn in as a cadet for the City of Chaska’ Growth Through Opportunity program. He spent 8 weeks working with the fire department, administration and finance, public works, the communication manager, water and sewer, electric department, Chaska Parks and Recreation, Chaska Town Course, and the police department learning what they do on a daily basis.

This fall, in addition to joining the brand-new Ambassador Academy cohort, Aidan is a Mission Partner for his uncle Wes McKane’s campaign to be named the 2025 Champion of the Year at the 8th annual Best Buddies in Minnesota Champion of the Year Gala on Friday, November 14th. Recently, Aidan and Wes joined Best Buddies in Minnesota State Director, Katey DeMarais, on KSTP’s Minnesota Live where they talked about all things Best Buddies. Learn more from the video below!

Thank you, Aidan, for being a part of Best Buddies!