Nipomo FFA gets crafty with special buddies

Once a month, Nipomo’s leadership team meets up with their special buddies (Special Education Students) to work together on activities. Events in the past have included, making pumpkin floral arrangements, homemade ice cream, apple pies, and even a carnival all run by Nipomo FFA’s leadership team. The purpose of the program is to create an inclusion model where special education students have the opportunity to work with our agriculture students to build relationships through hands on agriculture activities.

On Wednesday, November 28th Nipomo FFA’s leadership class teamed up with their special buddies to create Santas out of clay in order to get ready for Christmas. Each member had a piece of clay, which their buddy then imprinted their hand in it, to create Santas face. After their handprints were collected, the clay was cut and shaped, and eventually painted to resemble Santa. Each buddy got to bring home their personalized Santa to hang on their tree for the holidays.

After asking Ashlie Andrade what her favorite part of having a special buddy throughout the year was, she replied, “The best part for me is getting to see how happy it makes our buddy’s feel. I’ve created really good friendships with all the buddies I have had. My buddy’s name this year is Aliyah, who is actually on the cheer team with me. We have created our very own handshakes and dance moves together. It truly is a once in a lifetime experience to have this opportunity.”

Nipomo FFA is honored to be able to share such amazing bonds and friendships with our special needs students on campus. This is an opportunity that the leadership students look forward to every month. Next month, Nipomo FFA will meet with their special buddies to bake pies.