Beck Academy Recognized with Two Awards by Best Buddies International

This past weekend, Beck Academy was been named the 2025-2026 Best Buddies Overall Outstanding Middle School Chapter of the Year, the highest honor awarded to a middle school chapter by Best Buddies International. The award was presented this past weekend at the Best Buddies International Leadership Conference In Indiana. Representing Beck Academy were advisors Marci Silver, Kelly O’Hara and Heather Lewis, along with student officers Stella Rossi, Mary Eliza Duncan and Izzy McKellar. Beck Academy was selected as top overall middle school from more than 675 Best Buddies middle school chapters worldwide, recognizing the chapters outstanding commitment to friendship, leadership and inclusion.

In addition to earning the organization’s highest international honor, Beck was also recognized at the 2026 Top National Middle School Fundraising Team for the second year in a row, showing the chapter’s continued commitment to supporting the Best Buddies Mission.

With more than one third of the student body involved in the program at Beck, Best Buddies creates opportunities for students with and without disabilities to build genuine friendships, develop leadership skills, and participate in meaningful experiences throughout the school year.

Marci Silver, School Counselor at Beck Academy shares, “This chapter’s success reflects Beck’s belief that inclusion is more than a program, it’s part of the school’s culture. This honor reflects not only the commitment of the students and staff, but also Greenville County Schools’ continued support of programs that empower students to lead with kindness, build meaningful connections, and create lasting impact in their school community.”

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