Best Buddies Show Marist Love & Hospitality

A group of students posing together in front of an inflatable arch with the text "Best Buddies"

Jan 6 2026

One of our newest clubs has hit the ground running. Students in Best Buddies are taking the lead in supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

We were a top 10 school at the Boston Best Buddies Friendship Walk in October and hosted a Christmas Snacks and Crafts for families in December.

"Ms. Mae Ba (Advisor & Religious Studies Teacher) is leading this new brand-new club this year and doing amazing things," states Mrs. Ashleigh (Ward '00) Brown, English Teacher.

"There are maybe 75 - 100 kids who signed up to be part of the club! She's doing some wonderful work for kids in New England!"

Best Buddies: Christmas Crafts and Snacks

Sunday, December 14, 2025 - Baroni Hall, Central Catholic High School

Click here to view and download photos on Raider SmugMug.

CCHS Best Buddies chapter invited students, families, and members of Best Buddies with individual development disabilities for an opportunity to socialize with snacks, a movie, and crafts.

They were able to get ready for Christmas by making festive crafts, sharing holiday treats, and watching a Christmas movie.

This event was open to all regional Best Buddies members.

Students preparing crafts at Christmas party

A Thank You from Ms. Ba

Best Buddies Faculty Advisor & Religious Studies Teacher

"A HUGE thank you to all our Best Buddies students and Mrs. Ashleigh (Ward '00) Brown, English Faculty, who helped inaugurate our first Best Buddies event at Central Catholic with Christmas crafts and snacks."

"The time spent making crafts, enjoying snacks, and watching The Grinch (2018) was heart-warming, engaging, and showcased the Marist spirit of hospitality we have at Central."

"Individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families rely on community events for engagement and inclusivity."

"We are so proud of our 22+ students who planned the activities, generously donated all the snacks and drinks, and made all our guests feel valued and important. A shout-out to our E-Board student leaders for their dedication. Memories were made and friendships were created as a chapter who welcomes and supports our community.

"Best Buddies is an international organization dedicated to creating opportunities for one-to-one friendships, integrated employment, leadership development, inclusive living, and family support for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).

"Thank you Mr. Andrew Murray (Principal) and Mr. Zach Blaszak (Director of Athletics & Activities) for your support in hosting the event.

"We look forward to future partnerships with Best Buddies of MA/RI and The Arc of Haverhill and Newburyport."

Best Buddies Boston Friendship Walk

Saturday, October 18, 2025 - Boston, MA

Click here to view and download photos on Raider SmugMug.

Best Buddies participated in the Best Buddies Friendship Walk in Boston. The Best Buddies Friendship Walk is the leading event in the country supporting inclusion for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).

About Best Buddies

Best Buddies "is a nonprofit organization dedicated to establishing a global volunteer movement that creates opportunities and support for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities."

Visit the Best Buddies website for more information on the organization.

Since this is the club’s first year, we are hoping to have two to four events in the year.

Faculty Advisor

Ms. Mae Ba, Religious Studies Teacher

CCHS Best Buddies E-Board

Eva Davis '26
Ava Valcourt '26
Ella Smith '27
Julie Hall '27

Student Life at Central Catholic

Moses and the Red, or Pink, Sea at a Pep Rally

Our students are passionate and involved.

Central Catholic's many clubs, activities, and teams provide students with the chance to develop a life-long interest while forging life-long friendships.

Students forge bonds with classmates and teachers while enriching their lives and pursuing their interests beyond the classroom.

Best Buddies is one of the over 50 clubs and activities available to students.

Explore our Online Activities Guide to find the best fit for your personality, talents, and interests.

Online Student Activities Guide