Anela Kruščica, Director of Equity and Belonging
The Derryfield School hosts a student chapter of Best Buddies, a program that offers One-to-One Friendship and Leadership Development programs for individuals with and without intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) in New Hampshire. There are 27 high school chapters in NH. In this time of heightened social and emotional development that can be difficult even for teenagers without IDD, the Best Buddies friendship program helps break through social barriers at an important time in a young person’s life.
At Community Meeting on October 21, Daphne Stewart ‘27, Soumya Basnet ‘28 and Anya Vaidya ‘28, introduced guest speaker James Paul Masterson III (aka JDawg) who spoke about his experience as a State Ambassador for Best Buddies NH.
Masterson shared, “I am 33 years old and I live in Penacook. I am a son, a brother, an uncle, an athlete, a friend, a worker and a leader. I’m hardworking, funny, and smart, and oh yeah–I happen to have Down Syndrome.”
When Masterson was born, his parents were told he might never walk, or talk, let alone participate in society. But JDawg reached beyond all expectations. He told the audience, “I am here to show you that in many ways I am just like you–I have hopes and dreams and struggles too–but with hard work, there is no limit to what I can do!” He elaborated,
“Before Best Buddies, I was very shy and didn’t really like to talk to people. I would get so nervous and be afraid I would say the wrong thing. Now I can stand here in front of all of you and speak with confidence and pride. With the trainings and events that I have participated in because of Best Buddies, I have become much stronger in telling my story to strangers. I like giving people hope, just like the people at Best Buddies gave to me.”
Masterson, who captured the attention of the audience with his compelling story, encouraged the Derryfield students to consider participating in the activities of their school chapter:
“It will warm your heart. Everyone needs a buddy. Help Best Buddies to make the world a better place for everyone. We are better together.” The crowd responded with a standing ovation for JDawg, the struggles he has overcome, and his optimism for the future.
Behind the scenes, Mackenzie Whittet, Lead Program Manager for Best Buddies New Hampshire, supports the growth and success of chapters like Derryfield’s, working tirelessly to create meaningful opportunities for inclusion and friendship across the state. At Derryfield, Anela Kruščica, director of equity and belonging and faculty advisor for Best Buddies, reflects on her role in supporting the group through its leadership changes. Now in her third year advising the chapter, Kruščica says, “I credit the students’ passion and commitment as the true driving force behind the program’s success. I strive to provide guidance and continuity that help sustain the Best Buddies chapter year after year.”
