On Saturday, April 26th, thousands of people from around the DMV area, including Jackson-Reed students, came together for the annual Best Buddies Friendship Walk.
The walk took place on the National Mall and was hosted by Best Buddies, a nonprofit organization dedicated to creating opportunities for individual friendships, integrated employment, leadership development, and inclusive living for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).
There were many free activities in addition to the walk, such as an ice cream tent, face painting, card making for kids in hospitals, and sign making with Best Buddies Volunteers. Additionally, people could take photos together at the photo booths.
Putting on the walk required many sponsors, as well as school fundraising. St. Albans, National Cathedral School, and Bishop O’Connell fundraised the most money and each of them got their own Best Buddies branded tent near the events.
JR alum Bennett Younger, a second year attendee and a volunteer for the card making activity, wants people to know it’s open to all. “Anyone can attend no matter what age you are!” He recommends attending next year because “it is a fun walk and it is a big part of the community.”
Katherine Dorsey, a Jackson-Reed teacher who attended to support the Disability Student Alliance for a second time as club sponsor, encourages the JR school community to get more involved. “Jackson-Reed should show up and represent! Other schools, such as Gonzaga, had so many students there. I would love to see better representation from Jackson-Reed.”
She added that she believes “Everyone has a role to play in our society. Everyone has strengths. Everyone deserves a seat at the table.”
Jeanette Bray who was a Friendship Walk participant said she believes it is a great way to bring people together and demonstrate “how much fun can be had in an inclusive environment.” Bray believes it is important to show the community “that there is support for everyone in the community, despite what actions the government is taking.” Bray also believes “it’s a great family event and fundraiser for a very worthy cause.”
Sidona Cannon, Development Coordinator of Best Buddies VA and DC said she believes this was the best walk yet because “the schools did a fantastic job spreading the word and inviting their greater school population to get involved. We had fantastic sponsors who believe in our mission of inclusion and talented volunteers who made the whole day special! Plus, the speeches by the wonderful Best Buddies Ambassadors Jean Carlos and Abby brought down the house!”
She also wants people to know that all funds raised by the walk go to support local Best Buddies programming for our area. “All the money raised from the Best Buddies Friendship Walk stays local to Virginia & DC. These funds make it possible for Best Buddies to continue to support people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.”
Best Buddies funds go to many programs including more school chapters, leadership, self advocacy opportunities, and support for families and the citizens program which provide fun activities and connects people with intellectual disabilities to a person without.
Molly Whalen, State Lead of Best Buddies VA & DC, echoed the sentiment saying “every dollar raised stays right here in VA & DC. All of our Best Buddies programs are free to participants – this money pays for our Best Buddies Program Managers, Employment Consultants, and administrative staff who manage our programs and provide resources to our friendship chapters and leadership programming.”
Whalen wants people to know the whole event was a great environment and created many great memories; she believes “people really need that positivity right now.”
Cannon also added that the Friendship Walk raised over $420,000. That’s $33,000 above the $387,000 goal! Whalen added that the walk was “our most successful yet!”
If you are looking for an inclusive event to attend by yourself or with others consider coming to the 2026 Best Buddies Friendship Walk! •