Students at BHS are full of diversity, and a new club aims to bring together students who might not have had the chance to meet otherwise. The F.R.I.E.N.D.S. Club was created by Jana Wallen, a speech-pathologist for schools in the USD 348 school district

“The F.R.I.E.N.D.S. Club is an initiative to try to bring lots of kids together to form social relationships.” said Wallen. “We’re trying to bring kids together who have special needs and kids who don’t have special needs. . . so they can enjoy each other inside and outside of school.”

The club was inspired by a similar group at Lawrence High School, which Wallen heard about through her daughter who attends school there and is involved in the program.

“I wanted to bring that idea over here, so that kids with disabilities and special needs have more social opportunities and are integrated into the general education world.” said Wallen.

Senior Tanner Wilson is the president of the F.R.I.E.N.D.S. Club. Many BHS students across all grades have become involved with the club, including senior Hayden Burkhart.

“It is a good way to make sure everyone has a friend and an easy way to make sure everyone feels important.” said Burkhart. “It’s different than my everyday friend group so it’s fun to meet new people and get to know unique individuals before I graduate.”

The F.R.I.E.N.D.S. Club meets every Friday during all three lunch periods, where members eat with special needs students at a specific table in the cafeteria. The club also plans activities outside of the school for special needs students to enhance friendships with each other and with other BHS students.

Every student is welcome to join the F.R.I.E.N.D.S. Club, and can do so by sitting with the group at lunch or contacting Wilson for information.