More than 50 student clubs volunteered their time and their vehicles for Plymouth Whitemarsh High School's first Best Buddies Trunk-or-Treat on Friday, Oct. 23.

The event paired high school students with life skills students from Colonial Elementary School under clear skies, according to the Colonial School District. Hundreds of students stayed after school to take part.

"Knowing that hundreds of students chose to stay late at school and embrace the Trunk-or-Treat event is very heartwarming," said Mike Perez, who co-advises the club with Meghan DiGiacomo.

It was the first Best Buddies event to involve other high school groups. The club pairs students who have intellectual and developmental disabilities with their peers through one-on-one and group friendships. Members take part in social events throughout the school year.

Merchandise fundraiser open through Nov. 13

Supporters can order Best Buddies merchandise through an online form by Nov. 13. Students at the Montgomery County Intermediate Unit (MCIU) make the shirts. Some of those students may be former high schoolers in the MCIU's transition program, the district said.

Proceeds will fund monthly club parties and the spring Best Buddies walk.

Champion of the Year gala set for Nov. 19

Club member Kayla Nelson is backing her stepfather, Bryant McKay Jr., as a candidate for Best Buddies Champion of the Year. The Best Buddies gala is set for Nov. 19.

What's ahead

  • Nov. 13 — Deadline to order Best Buddies merchandise
  • Nov. 19 — Best Buddies Champion of the Year gala