April 27, Partners and Buddies involved in our Beaver Area chapter of Best Buddies headed to Pittsburgh to participate in this year’s Best Buddies Friendship Walk—“an event the kids look forward to each year!”

Beaver Area High School special education teacher Mrs. Katie Devlin said, “each buddy is paired with at least two students to be with them throughout the day, and I am so proud of these kids! I hope they had a wonderful time; I loved seeing them so happy!"

Hosted at Highmark Stadium on Pittsburgh’s South Side, this walk for equality was preceded by much fun.

Within the field, face painting, airbrush tattoos, bracelet making, and bouncy attractions were greatly enjoyed by myself and many other attendees.

Myself, senior Kallie Reap, and senior Samantha Gonzalez were partnered with Bella Pardue, whose favorite activity was the bouncy house.

Sami G. said of the event, “It was so fun and definitely worth getting up at 8 a.m. for.”

Not only were there fun games and activities, but Miss Pennsylvania Page Weinstein graced the field and gave a short speech about equality and announced winners of chapter awards like Best Chapter President.

Along with Miss Pennsylvania the Pittsburgh Pirate Parrot mascot was on the field encouraging laughter and fun.

The walk itself consisted of a circle around the stadium, although short, and was impactful as a symbol of progress toward inclusion. Greeted with bubbles and cheers, the finish line marked an echo of support and friendship.

At the end of our walk, attendants were greeted with food and water graciously donated by Giant Eagle.

All funds raised with the Friendship Walk benefited the Best Buddies organization with the goal of “ending the social, physical, and economic isolation of the 200 million people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.”

As DJ Dolla Sign blasted his epic tunes, the day ended in laughter, friendship, and fun, making Sunday an unforgettable fun day (see what I did there?).