Paxton-Buckley-Loda CUSD 10

On Thursday, April 24th, students from the Panther Pals program at PBL Junior High School and the Best Buddies program at Clara Peterson Elementary School attended the Champaign Friendship Walk at Edison Middle School in Champaign, Illinois, from 11:00 AM to 1:30 PM. Our schools started Panther Pals and Best Buddies programs several years ago to provide opportunities for general education students to interact with and support students with disabilities in the classroom and other settings. These clubs, along with The Champaign Friendship Walk, are joyful and inclusive activities that raise awareness about intellectual and developmental disabilities while celebrating the significance of friendship. The event featured a walk, live entertainment, and opportunities for attendees to connect with members of the wider community. It was a fantastic day with wonderful weather for everyone who participated, and the event has truly become an incredible celebration of inclusion for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Please see the following link for pictures from the Champaign Friendship Walk and this link for the WCIA News Coverage of the event.