The One Where We Became Buddies

Vivian Altieri, Staff Reporter • October 4, 2024

President Ariel Snyder (left) and Vice President Natalie Wadkins (right of Snyder) pass out the bracelets which will pair buddies up for the year. (Kenny Gong)

On September 25th, 2024, the Best Buddies group hosted their annual “Buddy Match Party.” Best Buddies is a group that pairs people with and without an intellectual disability to spend time together.

At this event, the group members were paired with their buddies that they will spend time together with for the rest of the school year. The party featured many fun activities such as “Would You Rather” and “Never Have I Ever,” along with two cakes, many varieties of cookies, mac and cheese, chicken, beverages, and much more. In order to find their match, the members were asked to close their eyes and then to open them once they had received a bracelet. After receiving a bracelet, they had to find their match by comparing their bracelets to the other members. Once they found their match, they were able to eat their meal with their new buddy and their meet each other’s families.

Ana and Ariel Snyder snap a quick photo to remember the day. (Kenny Gong)

The theme of the party was based off of the popular 1994 sitcom, “Friends,” which was perfect for the occasion due to the members making new friends. When the event started coming to a close, everyone gathered up with their buddy and their friends to take pictures together. They had a backdrop with a banner that said, “The one where we became buddies.” They also had a special frame to hold for the portraits.

Everybody had a fun time at the Buddy Match Party!

About the Contributors

Vivian Altieri, Staff Reporter

Vivian Altieri is a senior this year at Griffith High School. This is her first time as a staff member in Panther Press. Being a part of Panther Press expands her knowledge on how to write while informing people about events. She is in Paranormal Society and Best Buddies. Out of school, she does charity work for St. Jude with her Tia. she enjoys listening to music in her free time. Her favorite artists are Kali Uchis and Pinkpantheress.

Kenny Gong, Editor-in-Chief

Kenny is a sophomore, and this is his second year in Panther Press. This year, he is the editor-in-chief. He enjoys writing stories and getting involved with the school. Kenny is on the tennis team, theatre, and of course, publications. Outside of school, he likes going to the gym, practicing photography, driving, and listening to music. He hopes to see the Press grow this year as well as in the future.