Provided by the Pennsbury School District:
Credit: Pennsbury School District
Pennsbury High School senior Katie Tomasulo has been nominated for the 2021 Best Buddies Champion of the Year. Best Buddies is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing friendship and support to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
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Tomasulo is one of 23 individuals across the state of Pennsylvania nominated for the distinction.
The organization recognizes Katie for her leadership and philanthropic spirit. She has been a member of Best Buddies since her freshman year and currently serves as vice-president of the Pennsbury High School Chapter.
Katie describes the Best Buddies experience as “inspiring” and that building a friendship with her buddy Bobby gives her “a good feeling.”
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“Best Buddies gives students with disabilities the opportunity to show who they are,” said Katie. “It’s a lot easier for people without disabilities to make friends and start conversations with people.”
The pandemic limited the number of activities and outings “buddies” participated in over the past 18 months, but that didn’t stop Katie and Bobby’s friendship.
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“We did a lot of Zoom calls,” said Katie. “Once you get to know Bobby, he’s so outgoing. He loves to talk!”
One of the Best Buddies’ faculty advisors at Pennsbury High School, Jacklyn Ward, nominated Katie for Champion of the Year.
“I am beyond proud of Katie. She is a very responsible student. Seeing her interact with all of her peers in the program is inspiring. She has a natural ability to connect with people.”
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Tomasulo plans on attending Bloomsburg University as a Special Education after she graduates from Pennsbury High School next spring. She also plans on joining the Best Buddies chapter at Bloomsburg. The experience has left a lasting impression on her.
“One of my favorite memories is when Bobby sang in the Best Buddies talent show. I cried,” said Katie.
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Ward said Best Buddies has made a significant impact at Pennsbury within the lives of both Special Education and regular education students.
“The organization averages 90-130 members and hosts multiple events throughout the year,” said Mrs. Ward. “Last year, we hosted our first Friendship Walk, and we are looking to build upon that this year to encompass multiple schools in Bucks County. We’ve also added a talent show and spring dance to our schedule that includes multiple monthly meetings and other events and fundraisers.”
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Please visit www.bestbuddies.org to learn more about the organization. And follow Katie’s progress toward becoming the 2021 Pennsylvania Best Buddies Champion of the Year. All of the nominees will be recognized at the Best Buddies Virtual Champion of the Year Celebration on Friday, November 19, 2021.
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