Leading By Example: Randy Kersh Represents Best Buddies As A Student Ambassador

Randy Kersh and his buddy Ashley Saul with Florida Governor Rick Scott. Photo Courtesy Of RANDY KERSH

BY BLUE KAUFMAN

We live in a society that often places a negative stigma on those with disabilities. Fueled by popular media, these stereotypes are often portrayed with overwhelming inaccuracy and have resulted in an overall apprehensive public. However, the uncertainty many feel for those with disabilities actually stems from our own lack of knowledge. As the next step in the Disability Justice Movement, the Best Buddies Student Ambassador program aims to teach those with IDD public speaking skills and the importance of being able to self-advocate. Among these determined agents of change is Cooper City High School Senior Randy Kersh. With incredible optimism, he overcomes obstacles, leads his peers, and is determined to make his way forward.

Since a young age, Kersh has always demonstrated a willingness to be involved in his community. After joining the Best Buddies program at CCHS his freshman year, he was immediately drawn in and was eager to participate.

“When Randy finds something he enjoys, he tries to be as involved as possible,” Randy’s father Sterling Kersh said. “If he is your friend he will do everything he can to make you happy.”

Because  of his positive outlook and willingness to succeed, Kersh was immediately viewed as a prime candidate for the Student Ambassador Program. As a county-run division of Best Buddies, the Student Ambassador program educates and empowers high school students to be leaders and public speakers in their schools, communities, and workplace.

As an ambassador, Kersh is required to attend several trainings throughout the year. Each workshop includes a full day of activities where the ambassador is matched one-on-one with a volunteer speech coach, known as their “buddy.”  Typically a friend from a Best Buddies chapter or a volunteer member of the community, the speech coach  attends the workshops to help write, edit, and practice speeches. At the end of the session, all the ambassadors read their speeches out loud, listening to each other talk about how Best Buddies and friendship has affected their lives. Joined by their experiences and an augmented sense of confidence, the group seamlessly knits together.

“It’s a lot of work,” Kersh said. “But it’s worth it.”

Although the Ambassador Program is a significant accomplishment in itself, for Kersh it is only a stepping-stone. While the public speaking initially made him nervous, after a few workshops he gained the self- assurance needed to feel comfortable. Now, after being a part of the program for over two years, his public speaking skills have significantly improved. Today, he not only gives speeches at the ambassador trainings, but also delivers them in front of large audiences. Speaking in front of schools and various events, his story continues to spark the interest of the community.

“I think it is a wonderful program,” Kersh’s mother Nina Greene said. “Randy has a great story and now he gets to share it with hundreds of people.”

As a Student Ambassador, Kersh was given the opportunity to attend the Best Buddies Annual Leadership Conference at Indiana University. During the conference, Kersh learned about the importance of leadership though a series of sessions and activities over the course of four days.  Here Kersh even had the opportunity to  meet Anthony K. Shriver, the founder and chairman of Best Buddies International.

Still, while Kersh’s accomplishments continue to shape the lives of individuals everywhere, his most important work arguably happens right here at CCHS where his personality impacts lives every day. As a natural leader to his peers as well as a loyal friend, Kersh is the Best Buddies Director, other wise known as the “voice of the buddies”. As Buddy Director, Kersh is responsible for communicating with all the members, attending all the meetings, and helping to set up for all the events early.

“Randy is a great leader,” CCHS Best Buddies President Jessie Feinstein said. “He’s not only outgoing and incredibly passionate, but also someone you can depend on. I love getting to work with him.”

Apart from Best Buddies, Kersh also strives to be involved in other school activities. As the school mascot “Pistol Pete”, Kersh has attended football games in costume. Additionally, he has been the manager of the volleyball team, and a committed member of drama. His dreams just keep on growing and growing. One day, according to Kersh, he hopes to conquer even more.

“I think Randy is the bravest person I know, and I learn something new from him every day,” Kersh’s mother said. “I am so very proud of him.”

Juggling all these activities at once while simultaneously maintaining his leadership position in Best Buddies, Kersh’s work has not gone unnoticed. On Thursday, September 26, Best Buddies named him the guest of honor for the 4th annual “Bowling for Buddies” event at Lucky Strikes Zone. At the event, members of the club from Broward and Miami were able to come out for a night of fun in his honor. With bowling, food, drinks, and friends, Kersh summed up the event best stating “I loved it.”

Of course, like everyone else, Kersh’s life presents him with challenges. Some days are better than others and he often faces hurdles that are difficult to jump. However, what sets Kersh apart is his ability to look past the dark and unveil the light and goodness in those around him. Transcending the labels that would otherwise hold him back, Kersh will continue to inspire fellow Best Buddies members, friends, family, and all those who have the privilege of getting to know him.