Gilbert high school students world's 'Best Buddies'

GILBERT, AZ - One East Valley school can claim they're number one. It's not in football or basketball but for being "Best Buddies."

"Were number one. The best chapter in the world," said student Michael Waz.

"Best Buddies is a club where we pair students with intellectual and mental disabilities in one-to-one friendships with students without disabilities," said advisor Matt Stone.

So kids in one classroom at Higley High have something to be proud of.

"It just makes me feel great knowing that I was a part of the best chapter in the world," Michael Waz said.

Out of nearly a thousand "Best Buddy" chapters, Higley high school took top honors as the overall outstanding high school chapter.

Students like Michael Waz and Nicolas Diaz are just one Best Buddy pair.

"I know that he knows if he ever needed anything I'd be there for him," Waz said.

It goes beyond just helping, it's about meeting and becoming friends inside and outside school.

"We go to dinner, see a movie, anything, you know," Waz said.

"He's pretty cool, he's like my best friend," Best Buddy Diaz said.

About 100 students are involved at the school. It's a program that's been going on for four years.

"It really benefits both kids," Stone said

Benefits that parent Danielle Fennell says she sees in her son Dillon.

"He's more outgoing, he's friendlier, the kids have made a world of difference in his life," Fennell said.

So whether it's walking to class or even playing the game Connect Four, Fennell says, "They help him, they really do, it's a great program."

Meantime, everyone involved has learned the meaning of "Best Buddies."