Brewer High School’s Best Buddies Club is making a powerful impact in its first year, proving that inclusion, friendship, and kindness can transform a school community. With 91 members and counting, the club has already become the largest Best Buddies chapter in Maine, demonstrating the school’s dedication to fostering meaningful relationships between students with and without intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDDs).

Recently, the chapter partnered with the school’s Outdoor Education Program for an exciting rock-climbing adventure—an event that turned out to be much more than just a fun activity.

For many Best Buddies members, climbing the rock wall wasn’t just about reaching the top. It was about overcoming fears, building confidence, and learning to trust the support of their friends. Some students who had never climbed before bravely took on the challenge, encouraged every step of the way by their partners.

“Buddies helped each other find secure footholds, provided words of motivation, and celebrated every victory—no matter how high they climbed. Through activities like this, our club is changing the way we see friendship. We are building trust, breaking down barriers, and creating a school where everyone feels valued and included. And, we are just getting started.” – Brandi Butterfield, Chapter Advisor

The event was a perfect representation of what Best Buddies is all about: shattering limiting stereotypes about individuals with disabilities, uplifting one another, and showing that true friendship is built on support and encouragement.

More Than Just a Club—A Community

The impact of Best Buddies is already visible in the halls of Brewer High School. Students who may not have interacted before are now forming genuine friendships, greeting each other in the hallways, and spending time together outside of school. The club at Brewer High School is changing the way students and the whole community see friendship and inclusion, creating a school culture where everyone belongs.

Brewer High School is proving that when kindness leads the way, amazing things happen. And the best part? This is just the beginning.

With more activities, events, and friendships on the horizon, the Best Buddies chapter at Brewer High School is set to continue making a difference—one step at a time.