Schools of all levels have been participating in Best Buddies Canada for over 30 years now, which aims to help students with and without intellectual and developmental disabilities build friendships that foster confidence, belonging, and community.
At Central Elgin Collegiate Institute (CECI) in St. Thomas, that mission is resonating in a big way. The club, which matches student peer leaders with developmental education students, has seen remarkable growth in just two years.
Brianna Dennison, Developmental Education Teacher at CECI shared that when the program first began at the school, only about five students were involved. Today, that number has climbed to over 35, a significant figure for a school with just over 600 students.
CECI’s Best Buddies “Hoop It Up” event will bring together both the junior and senior students for a free-throw competition, while also giving the developmental education students the chance to participate alongside their Best Buddies.
And as Dennison notes, some special guests will be in attendance to help make it that much more impactful.
The event, set for Friday, November 28, will serve as a school-wide buyout, giving the entire student body a chance to take it in.
Dennison adds that the impact of the program has extended far beyond scheduled events. Peer leaders regularly visit the developmental education classroom during lunch and spare periods, and many have taken on leadership roles by securing sponsors, planning activities, and helping shape the future of the program.
As for what comes next, Dennison hopes Best Buddies becomes a permanent, natural part of school culture, not something exceptional or rare, but a standard of inclusion that carries forward each year.
She also encourages local organizations to reach out with ideas for field trips, volunteer opportunities, or community partnerships, noting that the club is always eager to connect.
For more details on Best Buddies Canada, click here.
Written by: Kennedy Freeman
