Summer break is traditionally a time when school-related events become afterthoughts amongst the boundless time spent sunbathing, socializing or sleeping late. However, for one Olympic Heights club, the fruition of their school-year efforts was finally realized. The OH chapter of Best Buddies, an international organization which advocates for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, proudly exhibited what it means to be an Olympic Heights Lion.

Best Buddies International holds an annual “Best Buddies Leadership Conference” at the University of Indiana where every chapter president from around the world congregates for a weekend. This year, both chapter president Jacob Pasternack and chapter vice-president Tara Rubin represented OH at this event. At the conference, they were engaged in multiple learning and social events, allowing them to network with other chapter leaders from around the globe.

Bloomington, Indiana, was also the site where the OH chapter was presented with two awards for its efforts. The first award was a recognition of total dollars fundraised, where OH finished fourth in Florida raising a shade over $8,500. These funds were raised through club efforts and the Buddy Run, a collaborative effort between the Best Buddies chapter, SGA and the student body to help raise awareness and funds for the cause. The OH chapter was also presented with the International PaceSetter Award, an award that recognizes the fundraising effort and community impact of a chapter, and an award which is given to only ten high schools worldwide.

“I was not only honored when they presented us with the awards, but proud of what we accomplished as a club, school and community. I believe we are only going to go up from here,” Rubin commented.

Jessica George, the Palm Beach County Best Buddies regional manager, shared her kind words on the club as well: “I am beyond grateful to work with such an incredible group of students who have made such breakthroughs in such a short amount of time. Winning this award on such a large platform speaks volumes about the chapter’s impact and work ethic.”

The impact of this club is clearly visible, and they represented OH proudly at this international event.

Students interested in joining Best Buddies – or any other of the OH clubs – can do so at Club Rush on Sept. 5 during both lunches.