You walk into the room and someone bursts out crying; they need comfort. Someone else is recording TikToks. A handful of students are using their iPads. Snacks are spread across a table, and music plays in the background. All the noise blends together into one big soundbox. When the clock hits 2:40, everyone heads to the commons—laughing, grabbing snacks, putting bags aside, lights being 
dimmed dark, and turning on the projector as they get ready for today’s Best Buddies meeting.
On November 17, 2025, Best Buddies held its monthly meeting from 2:45 to 3:30 PM in the school commons. Students from all grade levels gathered to celebrate their friendships before Thanksgiving break. But what exactly is Best Buddies? Why does the club exist? When was it founded?
Best Buddies sponsor Mr. Murphy explained the club’s purpose. He is one of two founders of the club. “Best Buddies has been a club for 10 years now,” he said. “We started the club because we saw that some students were missing out on interactions with others, and we thought it would be a good experience for all. And has it been a good experience? Yes, I think it’s been a great experience.”
The club meets once a month on Wednesdays to help students build friendships, spread positivity, and connect with peers they might not have met before. Mr. Murphy noted one story that stood out to him. “One of the best stories we’ve had is about a student named Michael Maggiore,” he shared with a smile big enough to show all 32 teeth, “He had one of our officers over, and it was the first time ever—he was 18 years old—that he had a friend over at his house. So, I mean, it’s awesome.”
Best Buddies also has student officers, who help create meeting agendas and plan activities.
“They have to apply to be an officer,” Mr. Murphy explained. “They have to attend meetings regularly and actually want to be an officer. The officers have a meeting and they plan it. We try to have it all student-driven.”
There are currently about six officers who create themes and activities for each meeting.
One officer, Yoni Santos, a senior, shared how he got involved: “I’ve been an officer for about two years. Honestly, I don’t know—I was convinced by other officers,” he said, laughing. “I’m just an attendance officer.”
Another officer, Marely Olivo, explained her motivation.“My sister was really involved with Best Buddies throughout her four years of high school,” she said. “That made me want to become an officer, along with the friends we made through the club.”
Mateo Alfaro, a sophomore and a new member this year, shared his favorite memory so far:
“My favorite memory is probably Sebastian flexing his muscles the first time we met,” he said. “That was really funny.”
Sebastian, known for his energetic, positive personality – is a gym rat who always keeps the mood light by showing off his muscles. Whenever he has a chance, he’s more than likely showing off his muscles.
If you’re interested in joining, don’t hesitate to stop by! The next Best Buddies meeting will be held once a month on Wednesday from 2:45–3:30 PM in the commons.
