Each quarter, Best Buddies in Southwest Ohio will feature one of its dedicated volunteer leaders who exemplifies the power of inclusion and community.

Celebrating Our Changemakers: Building Belonging at Miamisburg High School

This quarter, we are proud to highlight a passionate educator and long-time Best Buddies advocate whose leadership has transformed the culture of Miamisburg High School. Mrs. DiGiovanna, a special education teacher and the founding advisor of the school’s Best Buddies chapter, has spent the past four years building a more inclusive and connected community for her students—both with and without intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).

A Meaningful Beginning

Mrs. DiGiovanna was first introduced to Best Buddies while in college at Miami University, where she saw firsthand how meaningful the friendships were to everyone involved. Years later, after she began teaching special education at Miamisburg High School, a few students approached her about starting a friendship club.

“I told them about the already established group, Best Buddies,” she recalls. “We decided to talk to our principal who was very excited about the idea!”

That conversation became the catalyst for launching the Miamisburg chapter. “Being involved in college first showed me how meaningful the friendships that developed through Best Buddies were,” she says. “But as an advisor, seeing the amount of students interested in joining and how much of their free time they wanted to devote to build friendship with the students in my class was the moment I knew how meaningful the program was to our high school.”

Inclusion in Action

The ripple effects of starting Best Buddies at Miamisburg were immediate—and powerful.

“Best Buddies has created a sense of belonging and participation that students with IDD don’t easily get,” she says. “My students feel more valued and respected now than ever before.”

Beyond the visible friendships and growing participation, Mrs. DiGiovanna has seen deeper cultural change. “Starting Best Buddies has helped me realize how important inclusion and connections are to all high school students,” she reflects. “It’s not just about making friends—it’s about shifting the entire school climate toward one of empathy and respect.”

Growing as a Leader

Taking on the role of advisor wasn’t without its challenges, especially as a newer teacher navigating a busy schedule. But with time, Mrs. DiGiovanna learned to trust her instincts—and her students.

One of her greatest takeaways has been learning to delegate tasks and empower students to take ownership of the club. “I’ve learned just how dedicated to inclusion high schoolers are!”

Being an advisor has also impacted how she approaches her teaching overall: “Inclusion is now always my number one priority as a teacher. I promote inclusion in sports and elective classes more now as an advisor than I did before.”

Moments that Matter

Over the years, Mrs. DiGiovanna has seen the program grow in ways she never imagined. Attendance at events continues to increase each month, and the friendships formed have stood the test of time.

“The students who helped me start the program over four years ago are still in contact and hang out with their buddies all together when they’re all in town,” she shares proudly. “Also, seeing my students’ confidence and self-esteem grow will be a long-lasting memory.”

A Lasting Legacy

When asked what she would tell other educators, her answer is immediate and passionate: “Best Buddies is the most rewarding program you could ever get involved in or start. After the first year or two the program naturally succeeds.”

She adds, “Although starting a club at your school can sound intimidating, the benefits of Best Buddies are worth it! I noticed a more inclusive school environment at MHS within weeks of the program being announced.”

As for what she hopes students take away from their time in Best Buddies? “Empathy and understanding,” she says. “And I hope they always remember how much inclusion benefits everyone involved.”