Felix and Bela Kick Off a New Year of MBA Parking

Having trouble finding a spot?  Park with us @ the lot of Vine Street Church for each home game.  All proceeds go to the MBA Service Club.

Zombie Prom Cast Performs @ Park Manor

Reflections on #BBLC - by Joe Stevens ('19)

This past July I traveled to Indiana University where the annual Best Buddies Leadership conference is held. This conference brings chapters from around the world to one place so that all Best Buddies Chapter leaders can learn what their responsibilities are as Chapter Presidents and become familiarized with the Best Buddies Organization. There is also a little bit of partying on the side. 

I arrived there on a Friday afternoon with the rest of the middle Tennessee chapters. We unpacked in our dorms and got acquainted with our roommates. We then went to dinner before the big opening ceremony. After dinner, we went to opening ceremonies, which were quite amazing. Many people spoke about what Best Buddies meant to them and the impact that it has had on their life. Towards the end of the ceremonies, chapters were being recognized for their outstanding work. 

To the surprise of everyone in the audience, myself included, the MBA Best Buddies Chapter won International Overall Outstanding Promoter Chapter of the Year. I will never forget walking on the stage and being handed the award in front of 2,500 people. What then followed was one of the best dance parties I have ever been a part of in my life. A cover band for N-Sync and Backstreet Boys played all the classics, and it was quite phenomenal. 

The next day, I got to sit through some wonderful speakers in the morning. We then went on to personalized classes for all the Best Buddies chapters in Tennessee. At the meeting we learned useful information about the kinds of events that work best and tips for encouraging buddies to come to events. 

Saturday night was based around a walk around the campus. We began in the auditorium where Anthony K. Shriver spoke and then we began our walk. We ended in this large quad where there was a stage set up and other tents. There was an open mic and a DJ, so everyone was getting down and boogieing. The night was ended with fireworks and pizza. 

Sunday was the last day of the conference, so things were starting to wrap up. We had more speakers from a TV show called "Born This Way" that morning then more workshops in the afternoon. That night was another party but started with buddies giving speeches that they had practiced all weekend. The speeches were very moving and tugged at the heartstrings. We then danced some more before the big dance party to end the Leadership Conference. 

I was very nervous going into this trip but by the end, I felt that is was one of the most fun things I have ever done. To be part of such a large community that cares so much for people with IDD is indescribable. I would go back in a heart-beat and would never trade it for anything. I would tell everyone to go just to experience it first hand because it is quite amazing. 

Best Buddies @ MBA

Over the next couple of weeks, the Service Club will be sharing special posts focused on our Best Buddies Chapter.  The best place to start is by sharing a video we submitted to Best Buddies International last spring to be considered for Outstanding Promotor Chapter of the year.  Enjoy taking a few minutes to watch!  Click here.

The Boys Are Back!

MBA officially began it's 152nd year on Monday, August 20, with 786 boys reporting to campus.  The start of school is an exciting and hectic time, filled with new possibilities and a brand new calendar of service opportunities!  Just in the first two weeks of school we have Activity Fair, two Service Club meetings, a bake sale, two afternoons at Preston Taylor Tutoring, a kick-off for the Best Buddies Friendship Walk and a Loaves & Fishes community meal.

We invite you to stay up-to-date with all of our activities by visiting the Service Club page on the MBA website @ www.montgomerybell.edu, then Programs ... Overview of Student Life ... Service Club or by clicking here.