Brewer, Maine High School’s Best Buddies Program Wins Big

The Best Buddies program at Brewer High School, which supports social inclusion for all, has won an international award.

Best Buddies International Aims to End Students' Isolation Through Community

I first heard about Best Buddies International a few years ago and was immediately impressed with this amazing organization that strives to make school a positive place for all. According to the Best Buddies International website, the mission is to end the social, physical, and economic isolation of the 200 million people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

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The idea, in a nutshell, is to form friendships between people with and without disabilities, and to provide opportunities for growth and community to all.

Brewer, Maine, High School Gets the Highest Award from Best Buddies International

Brewer High School has a Best Buddies Chapter, which has only been in existence for a couple of years. In that amount of time, they've established Friendship Fridays, which include the entire school, unified sports programs, and much more to further their mission.

This week, the Brewer chapter of Best Buddies got something they didn't expect. At the annual Best Buddies International Leadership Conference in Indiana, Brewer High School was named Overall High School Chapter of the Year 2025.

Brewer, Maine, Best Buddies Program is One of Over 3,500 Chapters Worldwide

As an alumnus of Brewer High School, I have to admit that I got choked up watching the announcement. What a wonderful organization that's doing so much good for the students of my alma mater.

Best Buddies International has 3,738 chapters, in all fifty states and a total of 43 countries. As of July 25, 2025, there are 147,663 members, and I'm sure their numbers are growing.

Congratulations to Brewer High School's Best Buddies Program! Keep up the great work, making Maine a great place to grow up.