The 2025–2026 school year was a year of growth, friendship, and inclusion for Best Buddies in South Dakota and three chapters stood out for the incredible impact they made in their schools and communities.

Washington High School, Patrick Henry Middle School, and Rock Creek Grant Elementary School were each recognized as 2025–2026 Outstanding Chapter of the Year in their respective divisions. While each chapter looks a little different, together they tell the story of a state where inclusion is growing from elementary school all the way through high school.

Washington High School continues to set the standard for what a thriving Best Buddies chapter can look like. With 113 members during the 2025–2026 school year, the chapter has built a culture where friendship, leadership, and belonging are part of everyday school life. This year, Washington brought the largest delegation of any South Dakota chapter to the 2026 Best Buddies Leadership Conference, with nine members attending and helping celebrate another exciting milestone, South Dakota’s first-ever Buddy Director representation at BBLC.

Their impact extends far beyond their own school, as students lead an event team that helps make the annual Best Buddies Prom one of the most anticipated celebrations of the year. Their advisors were also recognized as 2025-2026 Advisors of the Year at the Best Buddies in South Dakota Friendship Walk, a reflection of the incredible mentorship and dedication they bring to their students.

The future of Best Buddies in South Dakota is equally bright because of leaders like those at Patrick Henry Middle School. As one of our newest chapters, Patrick Henry had an incredible first year, with more than 20 students eager to become involved in Best Buddies. Their success was strengthened by the outstanding student leaders at Sioux Falls Jefferson High School, who mentored the new chapter and helped create a strong foundation for meaningful friendships and lasting inclusion. Their recognition as Outstanding Middle School Chapter proves that even a first-year program can make an extraordinary impact.

That same momentum continued at Rock Creek Grant Elementary School, where 46 students joined Best Buddies during the chapter’s very first year. Through monthly events like IDD Awareness Talks, World Kindness Day notes, holiday celebrations, and other inclusive activities, students created a welcoming community from the very beginning. Although the school is located too far from the statewide Friendship Walk to attend in person, they found a creative solution by organizing their own satellite Friendship Walk, ensuring every student had the opportunity to celebrate inclusion close to home.

From established traditions to brand new beginnings, these three chapters represent the heart of Best Buddies in South Dakota. Their accomplishments would not be possible without the students, advisors, families, and school communities who continue to choose friendship and inclusion every day.

Congratulations to Washington High School, Patrick Henry Middle School, and Rock Creek Grant Elementary School on being named South Dakota’s 2025–2026 Outstanding Chapters of the Year! Your leadership is helping build a more inclusive South Dakota, and we cannot wait to see what you accomplish next.