Summit Students Inspire Crowd at Best Buddies Gala

Published April 25, 2014

Two Summit High School students shared their story of friendship at the 6th Annual Best Buddies Gala in Nashville. Ashlyn Anglim and Marigrace Rogers were invited to speak at the April 11 event, which was held at the Music City Center and featured more than 500 esteemed guests from across the state.

Ashlyn and Marigrace met for the first time when Ashlyn began volunteering in the special education classroom. The two quickly became friends and worked together to start the Best Buddies chapter at Summit High. Thanks to their involvement, the group grew from 10 students to 110 in only one year.

"Best Buddies has taught me so much about who I am and how I value people," said Ashlyn. "Everybody is worthy of dignity and value, and that's what this program gives to students."

At the April 11 gala, Ashlyn and Marigrace stood before the crowd and shared stories of sleepovers, dinner dates and their trip to the Best Buddies Prom at Bridgestone Arena.

"We spoke about how much we value each other and what our friendship has given us as individuals," said Ashlyn. "Marigrace spoke about how Best Buddies has given her confidence to make new friends. This experience was the greatest joy. I can't put into words what this program has truly done for both of our lives."

Two days after wowing the crowd at the Best Buddies Gala, Ashlyn and Marigrace were awarded Buddy Pair of the Year for the state of Tennessee at the annual Best Buddies Friendship Walk. It is an honor both Ashlyn and Marigrace feel blessed to have received.

"We want everyone to know our story because we believe we can show people that our differences aren't something to run from," said Ashlyn. "Our differences are what make us beautiful, and people are able to get a true understanding of that when they join Best Buddies."