Although Horton is an elephant, he is smart for saying “A person’s a person no matter how small.” This doesn’t just pertain to a person’s height, but anything that makes someone different, including mental and physical disabilities. Through Nick Henniger’s senior project, Friend-to-Friend, I was able to learn just how similar mentally and physically-disabled people are to anyone else.

Gallagher Services allows people with developmental disabilities to participate in school activities with students. So far, they have been to the homecoming football game, the school’s production of “White Christmas,” the American Indian PowWow Morning Star Celebration, and most recently, the men’s basketball game on Jan. 27 against Mount Carmel.

While at the basketball game, we ate snacks, cheered for the team, and talked about things the people from Gallagher Services liked. An hour before the game began, other students and I were able to meet with Gallagher’s friends and talk in the brown room.

In the Brown Room, I was able to talk to Kerry, whom I met at a previous Friend-to-Friend event. Kerry is always smiling, happy to see me, and even said he prayed for me every day. He always comes to the Friend-to-Friend events wearing a red helmet. He loved talking about the Ravens, his job, and his parents. Kerry works with “bubbles,” the toys you see in machines at the grocery store and other shops. He puts the different items into the bubbles.

Later in the gym, I sat next to Michael, who had forearm crutches to help him walk. He me entertained with his stories about going to an ice hockey game with his brother. Michael talked about how huge the rink was and how great it was to spend time with his brother.

The people from Gallagher Services were all rooting for JC, so when they won, everyone was clapping and cheering. Every time the other team got a basket, Michael would say “This looks like it’s going to be a close one.” The people from Gallagher Services were all thrilled that JC won.

Gallagher’s friends were able to fit in at the game just like everyone else. One of the most rewarding things about volunteering with Friend-to-Friend is seeing the individuals’ appreciative faces and seeing how happy and excited they are to be out at the basketball game, rooting for JC.

Since the people from Gallagher Services are not always able to get out of their homes, it was a special treat for them to come to an event such as the basketball game.

Throughout hardships these individuals are always smiling and happy. They have taught me to stay positive in a bad situation and to love and treat everyone with respect. These life lessons are things that I will definitely never forget.

I cannot wait to volunteer for Friend-to-Friend for the next event, which is a Valentine’s Day party on Feb. 10. This fun group has been a joy to work with, and I definitely will continue to volunteer and recommend others to do so as well. Not only did I meet great people from the Gallagher Services, but I also met awesome students who I would have never met.

Ashley Beyer is a Lifestyles Editor for The Patriot and jcpatriot.com.