Community Corner
West Orange Schoolworker Boosts Students With Disabilities, Nets Award
The dedication from this West Orange High School paraprofessional is "an example of the very best of West Orange."
WEST ORANGE, NJ — The following news release comes courtesy of the West Orange Public School District. Find out how to post announcements or events to your local Patch site.
West Orange High School Paraprofessional Maria Navarette was named a 2024 New Jersey “Best Buddies” champion of the year by Best Buddies International. Navarette was recognized for her outstanding support for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities at the Board of Education meeting on Dec. 16.
Best Buddies International was founded by Anthony Kennedy Shriver in 1989 and provides a friend or mentor to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. As the largest organization working to end the social, physical and economic isolation of the 200 million people with IDD, Best Buddies has become an international movement that has spread to over 54 countries worldwide. It consists of eight programs: Best Buddies Middle Schools, High Schools, Colleges, Promoters, Citizens, Ambassadors, Jobs, and e-buddies. These Best Buddies programs offer opportunities for social skills, job training, and even housing assistance.
Find out what's happening in West Orangefor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Navarette, who grew up in West Orange and graduated from West Orange High School in 2003, has been a paraprofessional for 16 years and is co-advisor of the Best Buddies program at the high school. This year, Navarette was recognized as a champion along with seven other volunteers at an event held at The Grand in Totowa on Nov. 15. The group raised $96,000 for the organization, which will go towards creating five new chapters in New Jersey.
“Maria’s dedication is an example of the very best of West Orange,” said Superintendent Hayden Moore.
Find out what's happening in West Orangefor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Upcoming Best Buddies events at the high school will include a January 25 performance by the adaptive Color Guard at the Color Guard Invitational and the Friendship Walk, an annual fundraiser, on May 18, 2025.
Send local news tips and correction requests to eric.kiefer@patch.com. Learn more about advertising on Patch here.
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.
