Superintendent Maureen Cohen is pleased to share that Miscoe Hill Middle School’s Best Buddies chapter recently received several awards recognizing the group for excellence.

Miscoe Hill’s Best Buddies advisors Kaitlyn Asam and Marabeth Ishler were awarded the 2023 Rookie Middle School Chapter for Massachusetts and Rhode Island by Best Buddies International.

“We have been blown away by all the good that is happening here in such a short time,” said Krista Thurstone, Best Buddies International Massachusetts and Rhode Island Deputy Director of Programs. “We are so grateful to your team of advisors that have made this all possible and to all of your incredible students that lead by example and show others what kindness and inclusion truly look like.”

The award was presented to Asam and Ishler at the Best Buddies Friendship Walk at Polar Park in Worcester, a fundraiser that aims to raise awareness for inclusion, friendship, leadership development, and integrated job opportunities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).

The Miscoe Hill chapter received an additional award at the event for raising the most money of all participating schools, a total of $4,705. Grade 5 Teacher Brenda Webster also received an individual award for raising $905.

“Our chapters of Best Buddies are composed of students and advisors who exude kindness, thoughtfulness, and a passion for helping others,” said Superintendent Cohen. “All of us at MURSD are extremely proud of their dedication to the club and to making a positive impact in their community. Congratulations on your recent recognitions!”

MURSD started two chapters of Best Buddies at the beginning of the 2022-23 school year, one at Nipmuc Regional High School and the other at Miscoe Hill Middle School. The chapters work as part of Best Buddies International, a non-profit which aims to create opportunities for one-to-one friendships, integrated employment, leadership development, and inclusive living for individuals with IDD.