Brennan Middle School Wins "Best Buddies" Program in the World [VIDEO]

Brennan Middle School is on the world map, thanks to its involvement in the

The school's Best Buddies program was recognized by Anthony Kennedy Shriver, founder and chairman of Best Buddies International, as the Best Best Buddies Program in the World Friday night.

Brennan was selected from 144 Best Buddies middle school programs throughout the world and 26 Middle School Outstanding Chapter applicants as the Overall Most Outstanding Middle School Chapter for its dedication to the Best Buddies mission. 

"Best Buddies is grateful for the dedication and commitment made by the outstanding leaders and members of the Cyril K. Brennan Middle School chapter, which have developed exceptional one-to-one friendships and lead the Best Buddies global movement," said Valerie Vitale, senior director of programs, Best Buddies International. "Each chapter plays a vital role in furthering the social inclusion of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities within their communities. These volunteers are truly changing the world, one friendship at a time."

Vitale is referring to Brennan Middle School teachers and Best Buddies Advisors Julie Mador and Caron Heller and all of the many Best Buddies students and volunteers involved in the program. Mador was in attendance at the Best Buddies Leadership Conference in Bloomington, IN, which continues until July 25.  

"Knowing the amount of work and time put into the program from both of the advisors, Caron Heller and Julie Mador, to our Best Buddies chapter, it does not surprise me that Best Buddies International has recognized the firm commitment of Ms. Heller and Mador for the year-long and sometimes seven days a week that they volunteer their time to," Brennan Principal Karen Saltzman said. "They are truly representative of the true professionals that they both are."

Nearly 1,300 students, leaders, and staff members, representing Canada, Colombia, Egypt, Greece, Guatemala, Hong Kong, India, Korea, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Qatar, Russia, Turkey, Venezuela, and the United States, traveled to Indiana University to participate in the four-day conference.

The school has organized several Best Buddies events at the school and throughout the community including its participation in pledging to "spread the word to end the word," an effort to stop people from using the word retard. The school's program also collaborated with 's social inclusion club, TEAM UP to perform the  by Suzy Messerole and Aamera Siddiqui.