Although the pandemic has put a pause on most clubs and organizations’ events, Project Connection (PC) is adjusting their plans to continue their outreach to kids in a virtual setting. Project Connection is a nonprofit organization that creates a connection and promotes acceptance between high schoolers and local kids with disabilities. In previous years, monthly events have consisted of  dozens of volunteer high schoolers and kids participating in activities and games while creating bonds and friendships. Traditionally, a kid is paired with one or two teen “buddies,” and they form a pod that continues through each event. This ensures that the teens and kids form a bond that brings a familiarity and relationship for future events.

This year, the Project Connection team, led by Senior Kyle Kendall, this year’s PC president, has planned to move forward with these events but change the environment from in-person to virtual due to COVID-19 exposure.

“This year’s group of buddies and volunteers are incredibly adaptable and working really hard to adjust to the virtual format,” said Kendall.

 The first of these virtual events took place on Saturday, Jan. 30 through Zoom. The kids and teens participated in games such as Simon Says, Never Have I Ever, and Pictionary. The pairs of buddies were sent into breakout rooms to participate in activities in a smaller setting to gain more personal connections.

Sophomore Meg Liwag was looking forward to participating in this month’s event to rekindle the relationships she formed with the buddies last year.

“I was most definitely looking forward to working with all of the children,” said Liwag. “It’s been a while since the last Project Connection event, so I was excited to see all the kids again.”

The first event served as a trial run and was successful with the kids and teens alike. 

“I think our first event went really well and is a really promising sign for the future of Project Connection,” said Kendall. “This organization is a group of really great people who want to improve their community, and I’m excited about what we’ve achieved so far as well as what we will achieve in the future.”