Mars Area High School Best Buddies Club hosted a school-wide assembly on March 18 to share a message of friendship and inclusion.

Senior Riley Carrel, club president, discussed how students with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) can sometimes feel left out as well as best methods for including everyone. Guest speakers Taylor Edgar, Best Buddies Ambassador, and Elise Hassinger, Western Pennsylvania Best Buddies program manager, also shared their experiences and tips for creating a more welcoming school. 

The program also discussed the Spread the Word (to End the Word) campaign, which was established in 2009 and focuses on inclusion for all people with intellectual and developmental disabilities as well as ending discrimination.

Following the assembly, all students had an opportunity to sign a “Spread the Word” banner or complete an online pledge to show their support for the cause. Students could also fill out with suggestions cards with tips for making the school a more inclusive space.

Mars Area High School Best Buddies Club, open to all students (Grades 9-12) is about making friends, having fun, and empowering students through leadership opportunities. For more information, call (724) 625-1581.