Walter Johnson High School Best Buddies Named Top High School Chapter in the World

A ceremony and reception will be held on Monday, September 10, honoring the Best Buddies chapter at Walter Johnson High School. The chapter was named the most outstanding high school chapter in the world by Best Buddies International.

Walter Johnson’s Best Buddies program was selected from program chapters in more than 800 high schools worldwide for its commitment to enhancing the lives of people with intellectual disabilities by providing opportunities for one-on-one friendships. The 2006-2007 school year was the first full year in existence for the chapter, which grew considerably under the leadership and guidance of Walter Johnson students Sara Moss, chapter president, and Eli Lewis, buddy director.

Among the guests at the ceremony will be Board of Education Vice President Shirley Brandman, Board of Education members Patricia O’Neill and Ben Moskowitz, and Superintendent Jerry D. Weast. Christian Metzger, director of Best Buddies for the state of Maryland, will be present, along with several other Best Buddies representatives.

The international program, founded in 1989 by Anthony Kennedy Shriver, pairs general education students (buddy peers) with special education students (buddies) to create one-on-one friendships and expand connections among groups of students with differing abilities.

When:
Monday, September 10, at 9:30 a.m.

Where:
Walter Johnson High School, auditorium
6300 Rock Spring Drive, Bethesda, MD

NOTE: An opportunity to interview students, parents and staff involved in the Best Buddies program
will be available after the ceremony.