Since its beginning, Gibbons Friends has evolved into a well-established space of connection and fun for the neurodivergent community of the school. It exemplifies what it means to be a part of the Gibbons community through service and leadership and is highly recommended by teachers and students for incoming freshmen to be involved in. 

“Gibbons Friends is a service club that hosts events for people with disabilities. It gives a safe space for the people to go and connect with Gibbons students,” said club member Izzy Conklin.

Moderators of this club, Ms. Debbie Taylor, Ms. Christin Bothe, Ms. Jeanine Qualliatine, and Ms. Lindsay Macias, guide the Gibbons Friends club through fun activities and special events for students and our new friends to enjoy and grow closer with one another.

The events this club hosts include the play “Almost Maine,” Trunk-Or-Treat, Fall Formal, T21 Meal Packing, Spring Fling, and Frozen Formal. Each event is focused on a new way to bond with the kids who have disabilities.

“The event I attended, Trunk-Or-Treat, was definitely one of the highlights of my year,” said Izzy Conklin. 

A fan favorite event that Gibbons Friends hosts is the annual Trunk-Or-Treat. Members of this club and the kids with disabilities get together and have their own version of trick or treating.

As you walk by the Gibbons parking lot you will see cars of the students (or in last year’s case tables) extravagantly decorated to exemplify the very best halloween theme. Every kid there is dressed to impress in their best Halloween costume excitedly anticipating what candy the next car will have waiting for them. This event is truly a night full of adventures and spooky surprises.  

Another event that is hosted by Gibbons Friends is the heavily attended Frozen Formal. 

This “feel-good” club has so much to offer in the way  it gives the disabled kids a safe place to make new friends and inspires the students at our school to be good people.