A Biddeford High School junior was instrumental in establishing a local chapter of an organization dedicated to supporting those with intellectual and developmental disabilities

By RANDY SEAVER | Editor

Once Olivia Hunter sets her mind to something, it would probably be a good idea to get out of her way.

Olivia is a junior at Biddeford High School, and she was the driving force behind establishing a flourishing Best Buddies program in Biddeford.

Best Buddies is an international program that creates opportunities for one-on-one friendships; and education, employment and family support for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

When Olivia was a freshman student, she became involved with her school’s Unified Basketball team and quickly bonded with one of her teammates who faces the challenges of an intellectual disability.

“I knew there were Best Buddies in other schools around here, and I couldn’t understand why we didn’t have our own program in Biddeford,” Olivia said during a recent interview.

But it’s not like Olivia had a lot of free time on her hands or needed an activity to list on her college applications.

Instead, establishing the Best Buddies program at Biddeford High School became the 17-year-old’s passion.

Today, Olivia plays varsity volleyball and basketball; she’s also a mentor on the school’s Unified basketball and Bocchi teams. She’s also a National Honors Society student and a member of the school’s Interact club, a student-led community service organization sponsored by the Biddeford/Saco Rotary Club for high school students.  

In her spare time, Olivia serves as a peer mentor and a student ambassador to help new students become acclimated to the school.

She is also a member of the Olympia Snowe Women’s Leadership Institute; and part of the BHS Be the Change club, a national anti-bullying organization.

“I like to stay busy,” she says sheepishly during our interview. “I feel better when I’m busy.”

The Best Buddies program at Biddeford High School was launched just last year, and its membership has already swelled to nearly 50 students.

“It’s been just amazing watching her dedication and drive,” said BHS teacher Alyssa Sinnette who is the staff advisor for the Best Buddies club.

“Olivia just took the bull by the horns, and made it all happen through sheer will and determination,” Sinnette said. “It’s just so rewarding to see all the connections being formed between the students.”

On a mission with purpose

“The real goal of Best Buddies is to just foster friendships,” Olivia said.

Olivia has an older brother, but now says she has added a sister to her family.

“That’s how I think of her,” Olivia said, referring to the high school student who has become an integral part of her life. “She’s more than just a friend – we’re really connected. She’s just become part of my family.”

When asked what the connection looks like, Olivia says she and her best buddy do all the same things traditional students do. “We talk about boys. We talk about music and sports. We just hang out,” she explains.

“She’s more than just a friend
She’s just become part of my family.”

-Olivia Hunter

Sometimes Olvia’s best buddy will become excited and overly animated. When that happens, Olivia simply provides a calming, non-judgmental influence.

“Their relationship has brought out her true nature,” Sinnette said. “It’s been beautiful to watch Olivia build such a strong bond with her. She’s a really special girl.”

Olivia said she is going to feel a bit lost next year. Her best buddy is a senior and will be graduating at the end of this academic year.

“It’s going to be so hard to let go,” Olivia says quietly. “She’s my best friend, and her family is planning to move out of the area.”

Olivia encourages members of the community to learn more about the Best Buddies program and to become more aware of Biddeford’s Unified Sports teams and their game schedules.

What about Olivia’s future?

Olivia says she wants to become an occupational therapist, and is planning to attend Boston University.

In the meantime, Olivia wanted to attend a three-day Best Buddies Leadership Conference at Indiana University.

To make that goal a reality, Olivia was able to secure a $500 grant from the Coca-Cola corporation and also applied for a grant from the Biddeford Education Foundation.

Sinnette says Olivia’s future looks very bright.

“She has talent, dedication and persistence,” Sinnette said of Olivia. “When she puts her mind to something, there is no such thing as failure.”

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