This year, LT hosted the annual Best Buddies Prom at the SC Corral on April 12 at 6 p.m. This event was open to all students who wanted to socialize, dance, eat, or spend time with their best buddies from multiple public high schools in the Illinois area. This year, everyone wore their most dapper outfit, as the prom’s theme was Hollywood/Red Carpet. 

“The Best Buddies prom included four or five high schools that came together to provide an opportunity for buddies to celebrate prom with their friends,” Best Buddies sponsor Brianna Basic said. “A night where they could dance, meet people, and just socialize with Best Buddies group members from other schools.”

The event was open to the entire club, peers, buddies, everyone, even if you weren’t partnered with a buddy, Basic said. Connecting with people in a welcoming environment is the most rewarding part of being involved with Best Buddies.

“I am excited about hosting this year’s prom since the location of the prom changes annually, and we get the privilege of hosting every three years,” Best Buddies member Brady Ryan ‘25 said before the prom. “We have big plans for the Hollywood/Red Carpet theme.”

For senior members who have been part of the Best Buddies program for some time, it’s an opportunity for them to spend some final moments together, dancing the night away, Basic said. One of the biggest changes she sees is how outgoing and confident students become. By senior year, Best Buddies members connected to many students in the group-developing a sense of community and gaining new friendships.

“To me, Best Buddies Prom is a way to meet and enjoy the company of members of the program outside of LT,” Ryan said. “As the year comes near its end, bonds between buddies are tight and can be expanded to new people.”

Best Buddies’ goal is inclusivity, so if a buddy is sitting out, and they want to sit out, members are encouraged to join them, Basic said. The club members try to keep everybody included. They try to get everyone up, start a dance party, start a cha-cha slide, or whatever new trendy dance there is. Best Buddies wants everybody involved and included and having fun. That’s the goal of the peers for prom.

“I think the prom is such a special event for the buddies because it is unlike any other event during the year,” Ryan said. “Everyone dresses to the nines, enjoys a delicious catered meal, and the company of new friends from outside of LT.”

For anyone who’s interested in Best Buddies, they are encouraged to attend one of the monthly meetings, Basic said. The club’s goal is all about inclusivity, building friendships, and forming connections. You’re guaranteed that all new members attending meetings are welcome to come. You will feel included and make a new friend, which will make it easier for you to want to keep coming. Positivity and inclusivity are what buddies deem the most important and rewarding part of the club.