Emily, Care Design NY member and senior at Northport High School, is all smiles when asked about the recent Friendship Ball hosted at Northport High School that she attended on April 21. “A Night Under the Stars” was this year’s theme.
An estimated 500 students and volunteers involved in Best Buddies attended the formal event and celebration of inclusion for students with special needs and their peers from schools across Long Island.
She and other attendees were featured on News 12 dressed for the occasion.
Emily said the Friendship ball was “so much fun and amazing because News 12 was there. The dancing was the most fun and the food was great.”
Best Buddies International is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to establishing a global volunteer movement that creates opportunities for one-to-one friendships, integrated employment, leadership development, and inclusive living for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).
Emily is also a member of the Unified Sports Sparkle Squad. It is made up of special education students and dance students. She enjoys cheering at the Northport basketball games. Pictured below is Emily performing during halftime. She also received a Varsity letter for her participation on the Unified Sports bowling team. Teams are made up of people with and without intellectual disabilities of similar age and ability.
Inclusion changes lives. Best Buddies and Unified Sports help people feel a sense of belonging leading to friendship and understanding.
