SHS Student Named 2026 Best Buddies in Connecticut Champion Candidate
[Press Release] Southington High School senior Desmond Conway has been named one of eight candidates for the 2026 Best Buddies in Connecticut Champion of the Year, a fundraising campaign recognizing individuals who champion inclusion for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).
Conway, the only 2026 Champion Candidate from Central Connecticut, has served as Buddy Director of the Southington High School Best Buddies chapter since 2024. Throughout the campaign, he will raise funds and awareness in support of Best Buddies programs while sharing a message of friendship, leadership, acceptance and opportunity.
“Desmond embodies the Best Buddies mission through his commitment to inclusion, friendship, and creating a welcoming community for everyone,” said Lezlye Zupkus, State Director of Best Buddies in Connecticut. “As the Buddy Director of the Southington High School Best Buddies chapter, Desmond is a positive role model whose kindness, enthusiasm, and dedication inspire those around him, making him truly deserving of being nominated as a Champion of the Year.”
Conway entered the Southington Public Schools system in 2012 through the Preschool Integrated Program and has benefited from the district’s special education services, programming and support for 14 years. With the guidance of educators and therapists throughout the district, he has grown into a confident young adult, student leader and advocate for people with disabilities.
Since joining Best Buddies in 2023, Conway has embraced the organization’s mission both at school and throughout Connecticut. In addition to his leadership role with the Southington High School chapter, he has participated in the Best Buddies Transition Academy, Friendship Ball and Friendship Walk.
“Best Buddies has made a difference for me because I’ve learned that individuals with IDD don’t have to feel alone,” said Conway. “They can enjoy the same things as everyone else including friendships, jobs and activities.”
As a Champion Candidate, Conway hopes to use his experience as a person with IDD to encourage others to create schools, workplaces and communities where people of all abilities are welcomed, valued and given opportunities to lead.
Champion of the Year extends far beyond Connecticut. The annual campaign is part of a worldwide Best Buddies effort, with more than 50 Champion campaigns taking place across 35 states, along with an international virtual event. Together, candidates, supporters and communities raise awareness and funds to advance the Best Buddies mission around the world.
Local Fundraiser to Support Team Desmond
As part of his Champion of the Year campaign, Conway will host a fundraiser at Jersey Mike’s, 812 Queen Street in Southington, on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, from 5 to 8 p.m.
During the fundraiser, 20% of participating supporters’ sales will be donated to the Team Desmond campaign. Conway will be on site to meet supporters, share the mission of Best Buddies and offer prints of his original culinary illustrations for purchase.
The campaign is also seeking support through sponsorships, Champion of the Year celebration tickets and journal advertisements, and silent auction donations.
The campaign will culminate at the 2026 Best Buddies in Connecticut Champion of the Year celebration on Friday, October 2, at the Aqua Turf Club in Plantsville, where the candidates’ collective impact will be recognized.
To support Team Desmond or learn more about the campaign, visit:
For sponsorship, fundraising or campaign inquiries, contact Team Desmond Campaign Manager Colleen Berry Conway at GoTeamDesmond@gmail.com.
About Best Buddies
Founded in 1989 by Anthony Kennedy Shriver, Best Buddies is a nonprofit organization dedicated to establishing a global volunteer movement that creates opportunities for one-to-one friendships, integrated employment, leadership development, inclusive living and family support for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Best Buddies in Connecticut was established in 1990.
