PORTSMOUTH, NH – AUGUST 4, 2025 – From July 18–21, 2025, more than 2,500 student leaders, volunteers, and advocates from around the world gathered at Indiana University for the annual Best Buddies International Leadership Conference. During the event, the Best Buddies chapter at Little Harbour Elementary School in Portsmouth was honored with the 2025 Overall Outstanding Chapter Award, recognizing their exceptional efforts in fostering inclusion and friendship for individuals with and without intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Selected from among hundreds of Best Buddies elementary school programs globally, Little Harbour stood out for its dedication and impact.

This year’s conference theme, “Wickedly Inclusive,” infused the weekend with bold, magical energy celebrating leadership, connection, and the power of inclusive communities. The conference celebrated the incredible impact volunteers with and without IDD have made in the world as a result of their leadership. Attendees received lessons from global leaders in the disability rights movement; watched inspiring performances; witnessed moving testimonies; and attended compelling and empowering leadership sessions.

Best Buddies International is a groundbreaking nonprofit founded in 1989 by Anthony K. Shriver to establish a global volunteer movement that creates opportunities for one-to-one friendships, integrated employment, leadership development, inclusive living, and family support for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).

The Best Buddies chapter at Little Harbour, which has 30 participants, was started in 2021 and is led by staff advisors Kristen Heath, Nicole Fragala, and Britt SantaMaria. Best Buddies New Hampshire currently operates 40 chapters in middle schools, high schools, and colleges statewide.

“We are beyond proud of the students and advisors at Little Harbour Elementary for leading with such compassion, creativity, and dedication to inclusion,” said Sarra Dennehy, State Director of Best Buddies New Hampshire. “Being named the Overall Outstanding Chapter is an incredible achievement, but even more inspiring is the way these young leaders are changing their school culture and setting an example for the entire community. They are proof that when we empower students to lead with kindness, the impact reaches far beyond the classroom.”

Mackenzie Whittet, Lead Program Manager of Best Buddies New Hampshire, added: “This national recognition reflects the heart and dedication Kristen, Britt, and Nicole bring to their chapter. Their commitment to building real friendships and creating a truly inclusive school community at Little Harbour is so inspiring. It’s been an honor to support them and see the impact they’re making.” Whittet, along with Area Director Sarah Brais, will deliver this well-deserved award this fall and celebrate with the chapter.

The conference featured an exciting lineup of special guests who shared their talent, stories, and commitment to inclusion:

• Abbie Stockard – Miss America 2025
• Kinley Shoemaker – Miss Indiana 2025
• Tanner Smith – Reality star from Netflix’s Love on the Spectrum
• Garin Flowers – TV host & former Bachelorette contestant
• Riki Stevens – Singer and Actress
• Marlana Vanhoose – Acclaimed musician and Best Buddies Global Ambassador
• Lisa Smith – Renowned sign language performer and Best Buddies Global Ambassador
• David Burnham – Broadway performer and advocate
• Richard Goodall – America’s Got Talent Season 19 winner (2024)
• Billy Blanks, Jr. – Fitness expert and wellness influencer
• Indianapolis Colts Cheerleaders

Highlights from the “Wickedly Inclusive” Weekend

Attendees experienced a weekend packed with powerful moments, including:

• Opening Ceremonies – A high-energy Friday night kickoff with live performances and motivational speakers.
• Workshops & Trainings – Hands-on sessions focused on leadership, advocacy, fundraising, and creating inclusive communities.
• The Best Buddies Friendship Walk – Held Saturday night at Assembly Hall, where participants walked in unity for inclusion.
• Keynote Addresses – Delivered by global disability advocates and Best Buddies Ambassadors who inspired with their messages of resilience and leadership.

Networking Opportunities – Students and leaders from around the world connected, shared ideas, and built lasting friendships.

• The Wickedly Inclusive Dance Party – A joyful and welcoming celebration where everyone hit the dance floor.

The Best Buddies Leadership Conference inspired and energized the students and volunteers as they witnessed the positive changes being made across the globe and the ways their friendships have changed lives. Conference attendees left more motivated to make the world a more inclusive place for people with IDD. The event was live streamed, showcasing the amazing performances, speakers, and education sessions that took place this year.

ABOUT BEST BUDDIES INTERNATIONAL:

Best Buddies® is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to establishing a global volunteer movement that creates opportunities for one-to-one friendships, integrated employment, leadership development, inclusive living, and family support for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Founded in 1989 by Anthony K. Shriver, Best Buddies is a vibrant organization that has grown from one original chapter to nearly 3,000 middle school, high school, and college chapters worldwide. Today, Best Buddies’ programs engage participants in each of the 50 states and in 43 countries, positively impacting the lives of nearly 1.5 million people with and without disabilities around the world. In many cases, as a result of their involvement with Best Buddies, people with intellectual and developmental disabilities secure rewarding jobs, live on their own, become inspirational leaders, and make lifelong friendships. For more information, please visit www.bestbuddies.org, facebook.com/bestbuddies or instagram.com/bestbuddies.