GRIFFITH — The Best Buddies Club at Griffith High School held its annual Match Party on Sept. 10 in the school cafeteria, pairing students with their buddies for the year.

The night was filled with excitement, laughter and new friendships as families and friends enjoyed dinner together while decorations brightened the room. The goal of the evening was for new buddy pairs to bond and get to know one another.

The party began with a presentation explaining Best Buddies and the inclusion goals behind it. During the presentation, the names of the buddy pairs were revealed. Afterward, attendees enjoyed dinner with friends, family and their newly matched buddies.

Planning for the event began in June. Senior President Natalie Wadkins spent the summer ensuring the Match Party’s success. She selected the theme of “Inclusion Revolution,” an ongoing global movement that fosters inclusion and unity for people with disabilities. Wadkins also gathered decorations and oversaw the pairing process.

“We were thinking about what color tablecloths to do, what to put on the tables, and other little things like that, to really bring it together,” Wadkins said.

She explained her method for pairing buddies: “I looked for their commitments, how passionate they already are, and how many events they’ve shown up to.”

Wadkins worked alongside Junior Vice President Alyssa Varichak, who helped with the buddy pairings, checked in with members and ensured things ran smoothly on the night of the event.

Advisor and special education teacher Amy Trezak also supported the planning. “I gave the idea of conversation starters to Natalie and the other officers because the students with autism have a hard time initiating conversations,” Trezak said. She added that the group held a summer officers meeting at Starbucks to plan ideas for the year and the party.

Junior Secretary Allison Patterson handled behind-the-scenes details, tracking attendance, taking notes, and sharing reminders. Junior Treasurer Samantha Rickert will manage budgeting responsibilities later in the year. Officer Fiona McCabe also helps share information to keep members updated and included.

Together, the officers made the Match Party more than just a dinner with decorations. The event reflected the mission of Best Buddies by showing that friendship, acceptance and kindness can bring people together and create a place where every student feels included — setting the tone for the rest of the year.