You can make a difference!!

by Lauren Mulkern
On April 26, 2008, The Knights of Columbus decided to put on a Special Need Prom. Personally, I think this is an okay thing. The teenagers were able to have a great time together but they should have just as much fun at the high school proms. They shouldn’t need their own prom. It is very unfortunate because a lot of high school students with special needs do not get to attend school events like prom. This is because they are excluded.
Luckily there are people who fight against this exclusion and want to make a difference. Best Buddies is an organization which fights against this exclusion and forms friendships with people who have disabilities.
I have been a member for four years and take this organization very seriously. I have personally attacked this exclusion. On Friday May 2, 2008 I will be attending senior prom with a good friend of mine. This is Graham Snow and he has disabilities. However, the fact that he has a disability does not make a difference to me. I am very eager to go and enjoy a fantastic night with him.
Friendships like this are unfortunately rare but thanks to Best Buddies they are slowly becoming more popular. I think in order for this exclusion to come to an end, people have to stand up for what they believe in. In a lot of situations, people are hesitant to hang out with people who have disabilities. To this day, I do not understand why somebody would be scared to talk to a person that is different than them.
I have learned a lot from my friends from Best Buddies and enjoy every minute I spend with them. I believe that the general public should be informed about the difference that one person can make.
Trust me, you can make a difference.