The annual Best Buddies Holiday Party recently occurred on December 11, 2024. Best Buddies is a program that brings a community of students with intellectual and developmental disabilities together with the teenagers at Lockport. 

The Holiday Party has been celebrated for many years now, ever since Special Education teacher Kaitlyn Bloom became a sponsor three years ago. The holiday party has become a main event in the Best Buddies calendar because “We love to come together as a club,” Bloom expressed, “and celebrate each other and the fun that we have together.” Each year about 100 participants attend and this year held up that reputation. The holiday-themed costumes this year also did not disappoint with students dressing up in anything from onesies to a handmade present costume covered in wrapping paper and giving gifts to each other.

The holiday party consisted of many diverse and entertaining activities for the students. For example, ornament decorating, bracelet making, Christmas coloring sheets, and various holiday movies played in the background. Additionally, the dance studio had a Christmas-themed edition of Just Dance and karaoke for the students to enjoy.

As seen in the pictures, the enjoyment on everyone’s faces proves just how much they admired the time and effort into making this incredible night happen.