Tony Hawk to Speak at Carlsbad High School

International skateboarding star—and local resident—Tony Hawk will speak this Thursday, March 28, at the annual CHS Best Buddies assembly on tolerance, acceptance, and respect.

Best Buddies International is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization. Founded in 1989, Best Buddies has grown to more than 1,500 college, high school, and middle school chapters across the globe.

Best Buddies pairs students with intellectual and developmental disabilities in one-to-one friendships with students. In the past, individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities have not had the opportunity to have friends outside of their own special education classroom. By introducing Best Buddies into schools, participants are crossing the invisible line that too often separates those with disabilities from those without.

The CHS chapter, which has 35 members, meets every Wednesday at lunch on campus and hosts special events throughout the school year. CHS Best Buddies also participates in the campaign to end the "R-word,"  the word 'retard(ed).’  The R-word hurts because it is exclusive. It's offensive. It's derogatory.

Learn more about the CHS chapter of Best Buddies here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xa33zEEmQTA