Meet Kayla O’Rourke; S.T.E.P program participant, Best Buddies enthusiast, and opportunity seeker.
👭 Kayla sought out Best Buddies in her quest to find a club in non-traditional subject areas such as Student Congress or History. Her involvement has transformed her outlook on meaningful work.
Kayla was quickly entranced by Mrs. Diakos students’ radiating positivity and genuine kindness. Ever since then, she has participated in any way possible with Best Buddies and Special Olympics - as the groups are the most important and meaningful thing she is involved in.
What she’s saying: “The most rewarding part of Best Buddies is the friendships I have fostered with the S.T.E.P students. I feel I never would have had the chance to interact and chat with some of these people without the bridge Best Buddies program provides. I have always walked out of the Best Buddies lunches in the best mood because of the students' optimism and joy. When I walk into Mrs. Diakos classroom, all of her students are overjoyed to see my friends and I. It is so amazing to see how one monthly lunch brightens their day.” -Kayla O’Rourke, RHS Senior
🎁 An unexpected gift: Best Buddies has allowed Kayla to create amazing connections, including finding the Special Olympics Organization where she can do various sports, such as bowling and track, with the S.T.E.P athletes.
What they’re saying: “Kayla is involved in various extracurricular activities and varsity sports all while taking on rigorous classes and student leadership roles. She always has made time to build meaningful relationships with the students in S.T.E.P., by taking part in Best Buddies and Unified Sports. As the president of Best Buddies, Kayla works towards creating opportunities for students of all abilities to build memorable friendships.” -Margarita Diakos, RHS
Best Buddies is a safe haven for many students, and Kayla takes on an important role in establishing a space where all students feel welcomed and part of the greater community, making RHS and the Ramsey community a more inclusive place on a day-to-day basis.
The big picture, in Kayla’s words:
“I would tell someone who is looking for a way to leave a mark on his/her RHS journey that Best Buddies is easily the most meaningful club in the school. Every Best Buddies lunch is filled with laughter, excitement, and nothing but positivity. Our school is lucky to have a club like this and I think it is rare in other districts - that is why I would encourage another student to seize this opportunity and join the club.” 💙💛