At Avon Grove High School, Best Buddies is more than just a club, it’s a thriving community of inclusion, thanks in large part to the leadership of Elizabeth Grondin. Serving as co-president alongside Charlotte Munger, Elizabeth has been instrumental in growing and supporting one of the most active and inspiring chapters in the Eastern Pennsylvania region.

With over 60 members and 20 buddy matches, the Avon Grove chapter is a shining example of what passionate, inclusive leadership can accomplish. From monthly dance parties to impactful school-wide fundraisers, the events they plan bring joy and connection to students across the school.

Elizabeth’s dedication to the Best Buddies mission is evident in every aspect of her leadership. She and her team practice inclusive leadership by having a student with an intellectual or developmental disability (IDD) serve on their chapter leadership team. She and her team are putting the mission front and center and truly living it out.

“For me, Best Buddies is a way we can get everyone together and help make connections with everyone,” Elizabeth shared. “My favorite part about Best Buddies is to be able to see all the friendships created through the club and all the smiles on everyone’s face during events!”

This year, their efforts were honored when the entire Avon Grove Best Buddies cabinet received the Excellence in Inclusion Award at their school’s award ceremony.

Elizabeth’s leadership extends far beyond her school. As a member of the Best Buddies Eastern Pennsylvania Student Advisory Board, she has taken her disability advocacy to the next level, helping lead fundraising efforts for the Friendship Walk, organizing a raffle and a popcorn fundraiser, and setting an example of teamwork and initiative.

“It has been a privilege to watch Elizabeth grow as a leader over the past two school years,” said Olivia Steckman, Eastern Pennsylvania Program Manager. “She serves as an approachable President of her chapter, leading fun and creative events for members to enjoy. She is a friend to our entire Pennsylvania delegation at Best Buddies Leadership Conference, making connections beyond her chapter and making sure everyone has a place to sit. She embodies the spirit of teamwork, notably in her role on our Student Advisory Board, leading the fundraising charge organizing our Friendship Walk raffle and a popcorn fundraiser. Elizabeth’s future is bright within Best Buddies and beyond and we are so grateful to have her on our team!”

Through every friendship, event, and act of advocacy, Elizabeth Grondin is helping build a more inclusive world! THANK YOU, ELIZABETH!