One-to-One Friendship

Shane and Gus started to form their friendship in April 2016 when Best Buddies was introduced to their high school. Gus’ parents were serving as the Friendship Walk Chairs and the students at Eureka High School, where Gus and Shane attend, were excited to become the newest High School Friendship Chapter. Both Shane and Gus had known of each other prior to Best Buddies, but it was not until they joined their chapter that they really got to know each other.

Over the months of May and June the two had begun to form a strong bond. Gus’s mom shared he was noticeably more active and took pride in having a new friend. In July both Shane and Gus attended the Best Buddies Leadership Conference where they truly discovered how important their friendship was to one another.

They really enjoy playing video games, going out to eat and catching up at the Friday night football games in the Fall and just being friends.

“Before I met Gus weekends usually consisted of a lot of sleep and homework, but now I get to hang out with him every Sunday,” said Shane. “This helps me look forward to last day of the weekend before we head back to school on Monday. We also see each other at school and try to hang out during the day either between classes or at lunch. And now we know each other’s friends which is really cool too.

Gus teaches me something new every time we hang out, either about him or myself. He has taught me many valuable lessons in life, especially to never let anyone else’s opinions limit me and that being my own self is awesome.”

“He is a real friend.” Gus shared.

Shane and Gus continue to not only build their bonds of friendship, but are leaders for their chapter and community.