On May 21, 2026, 3rd graders from Sandown North will take a field trip to Timberlane High School. Every year, Timberlane Regional High School hosts an event called, Big Buddy Little Buddy day. Each year, a different elementary school in the district is chosen to write letters back and forth with high school students up until May 21st when the elementary school students take a field trip to visit the high school and meet their big buddy.
Big Buddy Little Buddy has been a tradition for about 30 years at Timberlane Regional High School. The four elementary schools in the district, Pollard, Sandown North, Atkinson Academy, and Danville elementary, rotate participating in this event each year.
Students at Timberlane High School apply to become a big buddy at the end of January. The students selected will write a letter to their 3rd grader with basic information about themselves and questions for the little buddy so they can get to know them. The little buddy then writes back to the high school student, and they continue to send letters back and forth until May.
Every year, there are numerous applications for high school students that want to be a big buddy. The high schoolers want to make a positive impact on the 3rd graders and give them memories that last a lifetime. Lacie Bowman, a senior at TRHS, former big buddy, said, “I enjoy Big Buddy Little Buddy because I like to see the little kids get very excited to come to the school, and it’s nice to know that they’ll remember me forever.”
Many students that were once a little buddy when they were in elementary school can’t wait until it is their turn to be the big buddy. Bella Johnson, former little buddy, said, “My favorite part about being a little buddy was getting to be friends with an older group of girls and walking around the high school and getting a whole new experience.”
The students learn so much about one another through the letters. The reason why most high schoolers join this organization is to inspire elementary school students. Olivia Maglia, a former big buddy, said, “The best part of being a big buddy is getting to be a role model and inspiration to younger kids. Being able to create a connection with a younger student is beyond exciting because of how much they look up to you.”
On the day that the kids come to the high school, the big buddies bring gifts for them to play with. They spend the day walking around the high school and meeting teachers and students. The little buddies sit in on a class for a few minutes during the day and get to see what the high school is like.
After the kids have explored the high school, they head outside and play with the gifts their big buddy gave them. The little buddies feel so special because they get to hang out with older kids all day. The whole day is all about these kids and they have a blast every year.
There are always different games being played outside on the track and the football field. Some kids play with chalk, while others play games like soccer, duck duck goose, and football. It is a great experience for both the big buddy and the little buddy. Frankie Carrasquillo, a former big buddy, said, “My favorite part about Big Buddy Little Buddy day is that I get to hang with the kids all day. I also like to play games with my little buddy and their friends.”
Big Buddy Little Buddy day is a very special day for both the big buddies and the little buddies. This annual event inspires so many kids and gives them someone to look up to. The kids make memories that last them a lifetime which is something really special. Every kid leaves with stories to tell from their day and a huge smile on their face.
