Jasmine and Maggie take their first picture together during the AHS Match Party
AHS chapter members get together for a group shot during the 2010 Best Buddies Prom
by AMANDA GONZALES
Best Buddies New Mexico
If anyone would want to hear about the benefits of Best Buddies and the rights for individuals with intellectual disabilities all they would have to do is call Maggie McGovney and ask her about her friendship with Jasmine Mentz.
Maggie is a phenomenal individual who has been an advocate for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities long before joining the chapter of Best Buddies at Albuquerque High.
Naturally when Maggie heard an announcement about Best Buddies, she was the first in attendance at the orientation meeting.
As a freshman, Maggie took on the responsibility of being the R-word chair and organized a successful event that not only publicized the chapter but the mission of Best Buddies. Together the chapter raised 109 signatures at Albuquerque High!
As a buddy pair, Maggie and Jasmine were paired up at the end of January and instantly connected. They would get together every Wednesday to go bowling and would sit together during lunch.
Jasmine and Maggie also attended the 2010 Best Buddies New Mexico Prom and had a blast dancing the night away. Although Jasmine was a senior this year, Maggie plans on keeping in contact with her and maintaining their friendship.
The relationship established by Maggie and Jasmine in such a short time is inspiring. As the 2010 AHS chapter president Maggie hopes to recruit participants who are dedicated to the mission and is excited to see matches develop a close friendship like the one she had this past year.
Through here friendship with Jasmine, Maggie has grown even more excited about disabilities advocacy and is looking forward to attending the 2010 Best Buddies Leadership Conference.
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