Best Buddies Get the Star Treatment

Each year they arrive, armed with nail polish, makeup kits, big-screen TVs, video games and more.

Thanks to a partnership with Romeoville’s and , special education students and their regular education counterparts were treated to a day of facials, free haircuts, manicures, food and games.

Known as the Girls’ and Guys’ Afternoon, the annual event was launched seven years ago by graduate Stephanie Hill. Back then, she was an RHS student and president of the Best Buddies program, which links students who have special needs with regular ed students to form lasting friendships.

Stephanie, whose mother, Mary Ann Hill, is an RHS special education teacher, said she got the idea while attending a Best Buddies annual conference. At the event, another Best Buddies president shared her idea for a girls’ makeover day.

“I said, ‘That’s a cool idea, but why don’t we expand it?’” Stephanie said. She broadened the event to include activities for both boys and girls, including video games. Best Buy and Ulta were quick to come on board as sponsors.

This year’s event included students from Romeoville and high schools, along with Lockport Township High School and .

“As it grew, we started inviting more and more schools,” Hill said.

Joanna Wagner, program manager for Best Buddies Illinois, said the aim of the program is to match students based on their interests and hobbies to create bonds of friendship.

Statewide, 80 middle schools, high schools and colleges are a part of the program.

“The hope is to create long-lasting friendships,” Wagner said.

This year, roughly 40 students are part of Romeoville’s Best Buddies program, according to sponsor Jill Westall.