DOWNINGTOWN, PA — Downingtown High School East students, staff, and community members turned Friday’s football game into a schoolwide campaign against language targeting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, marking the local Best Buddies chapter’s 14th year participating in the Spread the Word initiative.
Students and supporters wore neon colors during the Sept. 18 game as a visible demonstration of support for belonging and acceptance.
The global Spread the Word campaign, led by Best Buddies International and Special Olympics, seeks to raise awareness about the harmful effects of the “R-word” and promote inclusion for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
The East football team also named Best Buddies members Billy Barger and Zach Westermann honorary captains. The students joined the team for pregame activities and participated in the captains’ ceremony before kickoff.
“Our words hold immense power,” Regina Sheehan, a DHSE life skills teacher and Best Buddies co-advisor, stated. “This event is a beautiful celebration of inclusion, reminding us all that when we champion respect and open our hearts to genuine friendship, every member of our school community wins.”
Amy Rowe, a DHSE English teacher and Best Buddies co-advisor, described the neon display as a way to reinforce the campaign’s message across the school.
“By spotlighting the importance of respect for every single member of our school community, we hope to build a culture where everyone feels valued, heard, and truly belongs,” Rowe stated.
Best Buddies International works to create opportunities for one-to-one friendships, leadership development, integrated employment, inclusive living and family support for people with and without intellectual and developmental disabilities.
The Downingtown East chapter meets throughout the school year and organizes activities focused on friendships, student leadership and belonging within the school community.
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