"Best Buddies" of GTHS

International non-profit organization “Best Buddies” is making its way in Grand Terrace. Started by John F. Kennedy’s nephew, Anthony Shriver, the goal of the organization is to develop one-on-one friendships with individuals that have Intellectual Developmental Disabilities (IDD), and those that don’t while at the same time bringing universal awareness to those with IDD. Co-advisor of the chapter Jerry Ayala has been a part of “Best Buddies” for four years. He started out at the Bloomington High School Chapter. However, when he was transferred to GTHS, he brought many helpful hands that played instrumental roles in the works of the organization including: Severely Handicapped Teacher Ashton Reynosa, ASB Director Leilani Bautista and Swim Coach Elissa Kirkland to GTHS. “They all helped me so much with bringing the club to our campus. I couldn’t have done it without them,” Ayala shared. The only Severely Handicapped classroom at GTHS is Reynosa’s class, and she has a total of 13 students, better known as “Buddies”. Every Buddy in the class has their own Peer-Buddy; some even have two. There are about 30 Peer-Buddies and Associate Members who come out once a week during lunchtime to visit with their Buddies. Ayala said, “I believe in Best Buddies, and many would too when they see how much of a difference a friend makes to students with IDD. That is truly the heartbeat of the organization, helping bridge the gap between students with and without IDD.” As last year marked the first year of the Best Buddies organization at GTHS, they held an “Anti-Bully Week” in March and are planning on the second annual event this year. One of the many messages the organization strives to send is to decrease use of the “R" word, “Retarded” through their campaign, "Spread the Word, to End the Word." According to Ayala, Best Buddies has already “called-out” many different celebrities for their use of the “R” word whom have turned around and publicly apologized for using the offensive term. Near the end of “Anti-Bully Week,” the organization had students and staff members pledge to not use the “R” word. Not only are they encouraging different words other than the “R” word, but they are currently working to jettison the term from Medical textbooks and to rid it from being an official diagnosis term. “The support in Grand Terrace for the kids is just amazing. We recently had a fundraiser at Chipotle… the response was so great. We are so thankful to everyone who supported our club,” he Ayala. Not only will this GTHS Chapter help build the friendships and overall support for those with IDD, but the organization also helps students find a job after their graduation. “Best Buddies is a great organization, and one that is truly dear to my heart,” Ayala said. “They are people first before the disability. That’s what we teach our Best Buddies.”