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News & Stories

Josh (left) with three other students in green caps and gowns at the Langley High School Graduation.

2025 Best Buddies Graduation Brunch & Awards

Congratulations to the Class of 2025 and the Outstanding Chapters and Advisors!

FCPS Schools Recognized for Being the Best Best Buddies

Fairfax County Public Schools Recognized for Being the Best Best Buddies

FCPS Celebrates Glasgow Middle School and Bonnie Brae Elementary School

walkers under start line

2025 Best Buddies Friendship Walk in Richmond, Virginia

The Richmond community walked for inclusion and joy at the Friendship Walk!

Walkers at event holding Best Buddies sign

2025 Best Buddies Friendship Walk in Washington, DC

Celebrating inclusion, friendship, and everything people with disabilities are capable of achieving!

Senior Spotlight Carvel Graduating Class

Senior Spotlight: Carvel

“Best Buddies has allowed me to become a good friend and leader.”

A family of four posing for a photo in front of the Katherine Thomas School seal. A young woman is wearing a red cap and gown and holding her diploma.

Molly’s Story

State Director Molly Whalen, mother to two individuals with autism, shares her perspective.

group image

Back to Best Buddies 2025

Best Buddies helped me come out of my shell and make friends!

MM birthday

Meet Michael & Miki!

Inclusion is an opportunity for everyone to thrive as their authentic self.

Alt text: A group of students and advisors in Best Buddies shirts gathered for a photo.

Monacan High School: Building Bridges of Inclusion and Friendship

Inclusion is important, so everyone feels important … and nobody gets left out.

A young man speaking from a podium and pointing to the crowed

Meet Shane: Best Buddies Global Ambassador

“Being a Best Buddies Global Ambassador means the world to me”

2024 Impact Report

Best Buddies in Virginia & DC 2024 Annual Report

“Stay involved with the whole Best Buddies community – it’s simply the best!”

Group of Best Buddies employment partners in from of Best Buddies banner

Second Annual Employer Partner Celebration

Everyone deserves a meaningful job and these employers go above and beyond!

Two elementary school aged girls, Maddie and Caroline, smiling and handing a cash donation to six Best Buddies staff members. State Director Molly Whalen is holding the framed blue, orange and yellow Best Buddies logo.

Friendship Bracelets for Inclusion

Creative and generous elementary school students string together smiles!

Diane Ray Brown Recipient Nancy Merrill Sullivan

Nancy Merrill Sullivan Honored with Best Buddies 2024 Diane Ray Brown Lifetime of Friendship Award

Nancy Merrill Sullivan is a longtime Best Buddies supporter.

COY Homecoming Hero

Homecoming: Two Parties One Purpose 2024 Recap

Congratulations to our 2024 Champions of the Year: Sheila and Jaxson!

Champions

Sheila Stabile and Jaxson Zimmerman Named Best Buddies in Virginia & DC 2024 Champions of the Year

“Jaxson inspires me every day with his kindness and his spirit.”

Yorktown Ice Cream Party Breaking out the Ice Cream

Yorktown High School Ice Cream Party

Yorktown Best Buddies Kicks Off the School Year!

Meet Zara

Meet Zara!

Zara is a Best Buddies State Ambassador and Chapter Secretary!

Zayd and Reyan excel in Best Buddies

Twin Success: Zayd and Reyan Thrive in Best Buddies Transitions Program

Zayd and Reyan excel in Best Buddies Transitions, preparing for IT careers.

BBLC Recap Coming Together

Best Buddies Leadership Conference 2024

Everybuddy Belongs

Meet Naia Headshot

Meet Naia!

She’s ready to show the world what people with disabilities can do!

Friendship Walk Recap Sam and Brandon Arch

Life is Better With Best Buddies!

2024 Best Buddies Friendship Walks Recap

BB in the News DC Now

Best Buddies in the News

Check out our press features leading up to the 2024 Friendship Walk!

UVA Award Reveiving the Award From Secret Seven Society

Best Buddies at the University of Virginia Receives Prestigious James Earle Sargeant Award from Secret Seven Society

The Seven Society recognized UVA for “embracing differences and fostering care and love.”

CFNV 24 grantee

Community Foundation for Northern Virginia Grantee

Community Foundation for Northern Virginia Grantee

Meet Sam Running with Friends

Meet Sam, this year’s Washington, DC Friendship Walk Co-Grand Marshal

“I can’t wait to lead everybody!”

Richmond Expansion

Smithfield High School: A Story of Mission Expansion and New Friendships

“Having a place for kids to feel welcome … can do so much.”

Izzy and Alex Painting

Meet Izzy & Alex

They aren’t just friends; they’re shining stars in each other’s lives.

Meet Kaitlin

Meet Kaitlin, a Best Buddies Ambassador

Best Buddies makes me feel happy and included.

Meet Aalia and Olivia

Meet Aalia and Olivia

They’re a burst of color and joy in each other’s lives

Meet the VADC Team

Meet the Team!

Discover our favorite Best Buddies memories.

Mark with big check

Honoring McLean High School Advisor, Mark Thompson

Mark has led the way for students, parents, and the McLean community

Breakfast Group

Best Buddies Virginia & DC’s First Annual Employer Partner Celebration

Creating inclusive workplaces and learning about supported employment for adults with IDD

Meet Peter Cooking

Meet Peter, a Best Buddies Living and Ambassadors Participant

Peter enjoys cooking, volunteering, and spending time with his roommates

Spur Local Critical Nonprofit

Best Buddies Awarded Spur Local Critical Nonprofit Seal

Best Buddies is a trusted nonprofit making an impact in the community.

Homecoming - Two Parties One Gala

Homecoming: Two Parties, One Purpose

Celebrate inclusion and friendship with Best Buddies Virginia & DC

Diane Ray Brown Lifetime of Friendship Award given to Shannen Coffin

2023 Diane Ray Brown Friendship Award: Shannen Coffin Honored by Best Buddies in VA & DC, Sponsored by Tiffany & Co.

The highest honor and sign of gratitude bestowed upon a community member.

Homecoming Highlights Student Dance

Homecoming Highlights

Check out what’s in store for the 2023 Best Buddies Homecoming Gala

Sam and Matt

Sam & Matt

Meet a sports-loving friendship pair!

Jobs participant collage

Announcing our Jobs Newsletter

Meet featured participants and learn about what they’re up to in the workplace.

Best Buddies at Nationals Game

Best Buddies Hits it Out of the Park!

A weekend full of baseball, beer, and bean bags.

Local Leadership Training Day - Group

Local Leadership Training Day: Inspiration with a Twist!

Virginia and DC students gathered to plan for the upcoming school year.

State Ambassadors Group

Introducing Our 2023-2024 VA & DC State Ambassadors!

Ambassadors become leaders by developing skills to professionally share their life stories.

North Italia Group

Pizza with a Purpose: Best Buddies Citizens Event at North Italia

Citizens were building a meal, but, more importantly, they were building friendships.

Champions Gala Video Overlay

Best Buddies Celebrates Friendship at Homecoming Champions Gala | NBC4 Washington

Check out the news coverage of our 2022 Homecoming Gala

Group of Living participants playing UNO

Best Buddies in VA & DC Participants Enjoy Independent Living

A roommate arrangement that is at once ordinary and extraordinary

John Drew

The Diane Ray Brown Lifetime of Friendship Award

John P. Drew the 2022 recipient of The Diane Ray Brown Lifetime of Friendship Award

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