“The buddies and football players work well together,” Cappa said. “They are constantly high-fiving and fist-pumping each other. I love seeing the interaction.”

Cappa’s older brother, Jake, had spina bifida and inspired him to take part in creating this inclusive environment.

“My brother taught me the true meaning of sportsmanship,” Cappa said. “I learned from my brother that everyone has talents and skills and should have the chance to be part of a team. I do it because I learned from him and my dad that everyone should be included and has something to contribute to the team.”

Samantha Mildner, Best Buddies area director for Western Pennsylvania, said what Cappa is doing represents the mission of Best Buddies. The number of schools with Best Buddies programs in Western Pennsylvania has increased from 19 to 65 in the past six years, she added.

“We are about inclusion and ending social, physical, and economic isolation of people with disabilities,” Mildner said. “We see it working at Quaker Valley and our hope is this becomes something we continue to see.”

Read more about the incredible work happening at Quaker Valley High School by visiting the full article here.