Eanes ISD’s Best Buddies program was named Rookie Chapter of the Year by Best Buddies, an international 501(c)(3) nonprofit focused on creating opportunities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

The Westlake High School chapter, which was founded in 2019, was recognized during the Best Buddies Texas virtual awards ceremony held May 28.

Superintendent Tom Leonard celebrated the chapter’s success during a virtual June 8 board study session.

The program currently exists at Westlake High School with plans to expand to the middle school level in the future, according to Leonard.