Hoboken School ‘Best Buddies’ Program Holds Friendship Walk
Published by Press Release Deck on May 5, 2021
The Hoboken Public School Best Buddies program held its first annual Friendship Walk on April 27 at John. F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium. The Best Buddies Program has over 3,000 chapters worldwide and two chapters in the Hoboken Public Schools at Hoboken Middle School and Hoboken High School.
The Best Buddies Friendship Walk is the leading walk in the country supporting inclusion for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (also known as IDD).
Since 2009, more than 150,000 participants in 60 cities have walked to raise awareness for inclusion, friendship, leadership development and integrated job opportunities for people with IDD.
Funds raised at the Friendship Walks help move our mission forward by funding local Best Buddies programs. It also provides a unique opportunity to see our mission in action at the local level. Every dollar raised goes towards making the world a more inclusive, accepting place. Each walk provides an opportunity to see the Best Buddies mission in action at a local level.
Kristen Beriloff, Hoboken Middle School Best Buddies advisor, said, “The Best Buddies Hoboken Middle School and High School chapters were initiated this school year, and this walk is just one example of how quickly we have grown. Seeing our students, administrators and staff come together to celebrate “Inclusion” at the Friendship Walk is truly amazing. Together we raised over 2,000 dollars to support Best Buddies Mission of inclusion and empowerment for individuals of all abilities. Our Hoboken Public Schools community is truly amazing!”
Patricia Drumgoole, Hoboken High School Best Buddies Advisor said, “This is another huge step towards inclusivity taken by the Hoboken Public School District. Best Buddies has been a welcomed addition to our community as reflected in our 1st Annual Friendship Walk. It is truly my honor to be the advisor of the HHS Best Buddies Chapter serving students with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).”