Turning Vision into Action, Advocacy, & Inclusion

This July, rising senior Ella Smith '27 attended the Best Buddies Leadership Conference, held at Indiana University. The Best Buddies Leadership Conference unites leaders, volunteers, and advocates from around the globe to spark bold ideas, strengthen advocacy, and accelerate the inclusion movement.

For more than 30 years, the Best Buddies Leadership Conference has empowered changemakers to lead with purpose, build more inclusive communities, and turn vision into action.

Ella attended as the rising president of Central Catholic's chapter of Best Buddies.

This will be the second year of Best Buddies at CCHS. Students in Best Buddies are taking the lead in supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Photo Album: Best Buddies Leadership Conference

July 17 - 20, 2026; Indiana University

Click here to view album and download photos on Raider SmugMug.

In Ella's Words

Ella Smith '27, rising president of Central Catholic's chapter of Best Buddies, reflects on her experience at the Best Buddies Leadership Conference.

"Best Buddies is a global non-profit organization that works to end social isolation for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The goal of the Best Buddies Leadership Conference is to unite individuals, leaders, and volunteers from around the world who care about advocating for individuals with disabilities."

"This year the conference was at Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana and over 2,800 members attended from around the United States and from all around the world."

"I am beyond grateful for the opportunity to attend this conference and represent Central. I made so many new friends and have so many ideas on how to bring Best Buddies back to CCHS and advocate for friendship. "

"Living on campus for the weekend and learning how to live on my own was definitely a challenge, but it was a great way to learn about college life and being independent. I made life-long friendships with the girls on my floor, and we are already planning our BBLC reunion."

"I was able to talk and network with many other chapter presidents at private schools like Bishop Fenwick and St John’s Prep and learn about how they approach fundraising and events while being promoter schools just like Central."

"I also met students from nearby towns like Dracut, North Andover, Chelmsford, Tewksbury, and so many more; which was amazing to see how many local high schools also offer Best Buddies."

"I made so many friends in the three days I spent in Indiana, and I am so lucky to have such an amazing advisor, Ms. Ba (CCHS Religious Studies Faculty), who helped me raise the money to be able to attend and learn more about Best Buddies to grow our chapter."

About Best Buddies Leadership Conference

The Best Buddies Leadership Conference unites leaders, volunteers, and advocates from around the globe to spark bold ideas, strengthen advocacy, and accelerate the inclusion movement.

For more than 30 years, BBLC has empowered changemakers to lead with purpose, build more inclusive communities, and turn vision into action.

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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.

Students in Best Buddies are taking the lead in supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

In the first year, they 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.

Click here to read Best Buddies Show Marist Love & Hospitality.

Faculty Advisor

• Ms. Mae Ba, Religious Studies Teacher

 

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Student Life at Central Catholic

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

Resources for Student Activities

The Online Student Activities Guide

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The Student Activities Calendar