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| Andrea and Justin at a Best Buddies basketball event. |
As May comes to a close, students are graduating and moving on from our
Best Buddies chapters. As a tribute to our seniors, we would like to
highlight one of our outstanding senior buddy pairs from Munster High School. Justin
Rios and Andrea Paunicka have only been matched for one year, but have formed an
incredible and lasting friendship.
What does Best Buddies mean to you?
Andrea: Best Buddies is not just a school club, it is much more than that. It is a place to make new lifelong friendships. I never thought a club would become so important to me. I have made so many new memories and friends. I enjoy every minute of the club. Everyone coming together makes me so happy.
Justin: Best Buddies helped me make friends, and talk to many people in the club. The events give me a chance to talk to all of my friends. The events help me meet people from other schools.
What's your favorite thing about your buddy?
Andrea: My favorite thing about my Best Buddy is he can always make me smile, no matter what. No matter how upset I am or what mood I am in, I know he can always cheer me up and make me laugh. His personality is the best personality a person can have, and he is so friendly to everyone too. I love how social he is and it's so hard to pick my favorite thing. I love everything about him.
Justin: My favorite thing about my Best Buddy is that she is very funny, makes me laugh and giggle. I like to dance with her. She is very nice and I love talking to her on the phone and in the hallway.
What do you and your buddy like to do together?
Andrea: Justin and I go to the movies, we love going bowling, even though he always beats me! We love going to McDonald's and watching movies. We love playing Wii also! We also make cupcakes, but they haven't ever turned out. We also love mini-golfing, even though he always beats me in that too.
Justin: We go bowling, and watch a lot of movies. Our favorite movie is Big Daddy. We love going to McDonalds, it's our favorite restaurant.
How has Best Buddies changed your life?
Andrea: Best Buddies has changed my life in several ways. I never thought a club could change my outlook on life. Everyone in the club is amazing and so much fun. Because of Best Buddies, I have realized how incredible everyone is and I have decided to become a Special Education teacher. I never thought I would major in Special Education, but because of my experiences in Best Buddies and how much it has impacted me, I will major in it.
Justin: Best Buddies has changed my life, because I have made a lot of friends. It is very fun, and I talk to people and I have become even more social. I feel more part of the school.
Why do you think others should join Best Buddies?
Andrea: I think others should join Best Buddies, because it is the best choice I have made. You get to experience something incredible and meet incredible people. It could change their life, just like it has changed mine.
Justin: I think others should join Best Buddies because I love Best Buddies. It is fun and can make new friends.
