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College Club Honored by the Baltimore Ravens
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Club President Cicily Strong ’16 and her Buddy, Scott. -
Best Buddies on the field before the game -
Amber Yates and her Buddy Brian during the game
Location: M&T Bank Stadium
During the summer break, Amanda Peters ’16, secretary of Best Buddies at Washington College, applied for the Baltimore Ravens Honor Rows Program, a program that rewards local youth groups for dedication to community service. She wanted to provide the people Best Buddies serves the chance to do something very few people get to do.
Best Buddies is an international organization, with clubs in both high schools and colleges, that works with adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in the community. The Washington College chapter works with the Kent Center to provide one-on-one friendships. Each college member of the club is paired with one member of the Kent Center. Best Buddies meets twice a month for activities such as movies, picnics, dances, holiday parties, and bowling.
During the first week of classes, the Ravens notified Best Buddies that it had won, and the club was awarded 55 free tickets to the Ravens’ September 7 home opener versus the Cincinnati Bengals. The Buddies were welcomed onto the field, were shown on RavensVision during the game, were given free Ravens Honor Rows t-shirts to wear during the game, and received a certificate from the Governor of Maryland commending the club on their efforts, along with memories that will last the rest of their lives.
The club worked quickly to make the dream a reality. The trip was opened up to members of the Kent Center and returning members of Best Buddies at Washington College. Buddy A.J. B. said that the game “was amazing.” Club President Cicily Strong ’16 said, “Getting a chance to share this amazing experience with these people was a once in a lifetime experience. There is no one else I’d rather share this experience with, especially with my Buddy, Scott.”
The Buddies were all thrilled at the chance to attend the game. Buddy Brian T., who also serves as the Buddy Coordinator, described the experience as “a once in a lifetime opportunity”. Brian’s college buddy, Amber Yates ’16, said, “For the past three years Brian and I have been Best Buddies and the Ravens game experience allowed us another opportunity to become closer and remain friends for life.”
—Gray Hughes ’16
If you’re interested in joining Best Buddies, email Club President Cicily Strong.