The Carle Place Middle/High School Best Friends Club, which is advised by Life Skills teachers Paul Randazzo and Brittany Cottone, was recognized for its contribution to the school community by the Carle Place Board of Education on April 18.

The first-year club is one example of the district’s students embracing inclusivity. The club, patterned after the international Best Buddies program and born from a student’s recommendation, aims to pair Life Skills students with general education students at the middle and high school. 

“There are teachers, community members and students who are constantly coming to us looking to get involved and get our kids involved,” Randazzo said. “It’s pretty remarkable.”

“Students get to know students who they may not necessarily get to see during the school day,” said Cottone. “We’ve tried to pair them with students who have similar interest — such as if they’re into sports or into music.”

Seventeen members of the group were invited to attend the board meeting, during which certificates of recognition were presented. The founding members of the Best Friends Club are Nathan Chiong, Justin Colon, Haylie Galindo Flores, Liam Gonsalves, Ethan Han, Jayden Imperadeiro, Yuvraj Kumar, Michael McGowan, Michael Paladino, Jason Persandi, Daniel Romano, David Roque, Stephanie Ruiz, Ryan Saravia, Zoey Seiling, Riley Walsh and Chauncey Watt.

“It has been a really positive addition to our school,” said Superintendent of Schools Dr. Christine Finn. 

Date Added: 4/20/2023