Best Buddies at UCF

✨ Introducing the 2026–2027 Best Buddies UCF Executive Board! ✨

President - Emily Melo
Vice President - Estefania Gonzalez - Ulmos
Secretary - Maria Canova
Treasurer - Amelia Coberly
Buddy Director - John Renert
Media Director - Mia Fagan

We're honored to serve this amazing chapter and can't wait to make this year full of meaningful connections, exciting events, and opportunities to spread inclusion across campus.

Thank you for being part of our community—we're looking forward to an incredible year together!

Stay tuned, this account will be updated throughout the summer ☀️

As we wrap up another incredible year with Best Buddies, we wanted to take a moment to reflect on all the memories, friendships, and moments that made this year so special 💜

From game nights and socials to fundraisers and impromptu meetups, this chapter was filled with so much joy and connection. Best Buddies is more than just a club, it’s a community that brings people together and creates friendships that last far beyond one school year.

Thank you to everyone who made this year unforgettable. Whether you came to one event or every event, you helped make this community what it is. We can’t wait to see what next year brings 💫

To celebrate such a wonderful year, five of our members will share their favorite memory from this year on slides 3-7!

 

Final exams start tomorrow! 📖

Everyone at Best Buddies wishes YOU the best of luck as we head into exams! Remember to stay focused, take breaks, and take care of yourself this week.

You've got this! Finish strong! 💜

Friendship Walk Recap 💜

We had to much fun at the annual Best Buddies Friendship Walk last weekend! From warming up with Zumba to celebrating all things Best Buddies stands for, it was amazing meeting new friends from other schools and coming together as a community.

Thank you to everyone who came out to walk with us and to those who supported us from afar. We couldn't do it without you! Your support helps continue creating friendships, inclusion, and opportunities for all.

We are already looking forward to next year! ☀️

The perfect way to close out the semester 💜

We had such an amazing time at our Spring Banquet with Best Buddies and Knights Exemplar. From sharing dinner together to listening to heartfelt speeches and celebrating our members with awards, every moment reminded us just how special this community is.

We also said goodbye to our seniors, and we’re going to miss them so very much. We wish you all the best in everything that’s ahead 💫

Leaving this night feeling so grateful for the memories we made and so excited for what’s to come for this chapter. Nothing beats the friendships, the love, and the inclusion we share.

disabilityawareness

Join us for the Best Buddies Friendship Walk and help us make a difference 💜

Celebrate inclusion, friendship, and community while raising funds to support life-changing programs for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Let’s come together, walk as a team, and show our UCF spirit!

📍Lake Eola (512 East Washington Street, Orlando, FL 32801)
🗓️Saturday, April 18th
⏰ Check-in: 8:00 AM | Opening Ceremonies: 9:00 AM | Walk: 10:00 AM | Celebrate until 12:00 PM

disabilityawareness

🌞 Field Day Recap 💜
Such a fun day out with Best Buddies and ATO!! From all the different field games to just hanging out with friends, the energy was everything 🫶

Everyone showed up ready to move, laugh, and enjoy some snacks in between. It was the perfect mix of competition and connection, and we loved seeing everyone get involved!!
Thank you to everyone who came out and made it such a great time 💫

🌸 End of Year Celebration 🌿💐
Join Best Buddies and Knights Exemplar as we celebrate an incredible year in full bloom! 🌷 Enjoy awards honoring your achievements, heartfelt farewell speeches, dinner, and photo moments as we reflect, connect, and close out the year together.

Dress to impress in your favorite spring formal attire and get ready for a night filled with joy, laughter, and memories that will last 🌼✨

🗓 April 17th
⏰ 6 PM
📍 Live Oak Ballroom (4115 Pyxis Ln, Orlando, FL 32816)
🚗 Garage B is the closest parking




🏓 Pickleball Tournament Recap 💜
What a great time out on the courts! From competitive rallies to lots of laughs, our round robin games brought the perfect mix of energy and fun. Whether you came to play pickleball, jump into volleyball, or just hang out, it was such a good way to spend time together outdoors ☀️

Thank you to everyone who showed up, played hard, and kept the vibes high. Already looking forward to the next one!!