Hamden Hall Students Build Friendships Through Best Buddies Program

Best Buddies International is a non-profit organization dedicated to establishing a global volunteer movement that creates opportunities for one-to-one friendships, integrated employment, leadership development, inclusive living, and family support for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

The Hamden Hall chapter of Best Buddies was in development during the 2025-2026 academic year with this year marking its establishment. With 25 student members, the leadership team features senior Sam Seigel as president, senior Anand Persaud as the vice president, junior Samantha Langella as the buddy coordinator, senior Kieron Cain as the treasurer, and senior Landon Sassu-Martin as the secretary. Upper School history teacher Dr. Nuray Ibryamova serves as the current faculty advisor.

“I am honored to be a part of an organization and club that supports friendship and inclusion on campus and in our community,” said Sam. “It was important to bring the Best Buddies program to Hamden Hall because it promotes a more open and understanding environment where everyone gets to feel connected and valued.”

Sam was integral in the development of the Hamden Hall chapter of the Best Buddies Program. He had learned about the organization through conversations with a close family friend, who put him in contact with Emily Noonan, a program manager for Best Buddies International – Connecticut. With a greater interest to get involved, Sam proposed the idea of starting a local chapter on campus to former Upper School Dean of Student John Greenawalt. After completing the requirement process of submitting an interest form, connecting with the Best Buddies leadership staff members, signifying student interest, appointing a faculty advisor, and attending a leadership training course, the Hamden Hall chapter of Best Buddies was launched.

Prior to the school year, Sam had the opportunity to represent Connecticut at an international leadership conference at Indiana University. He shared that it was a meaningful experience as he got to meet with different members of the organization. As the chapter president, he would like to see the interest continue to grow and provide the current and incoming members with the tools necessary to succeed. Currently, the club is a promoter chapter and in the midst of looking for a host site to help coordinate the buddy pairings.

With the success of the community social, Sam shared that the club is looking to host a Bake Sale during the year. The club will also be participating in the annual Best Buddies Friendship Walk, which will take place on May 2, 2027 in Hartford.