Baker High School Students Build Friendships Through Project Outreach Club

New initiative connects students with special needs and typical peers through shared activities and events

Jan. 28, 2026 at 6:15pm

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High school students at Baker High School in Mobile, Alabama are participating in a new program called Project Outreach that brings together students with special needs and their typical peers to create lasting friendships. The club, started by local teens in Spanish Fort, is now in 30 different schools across Alabama. Students engage in activities like attending sporting events, hanging out at school events, and even hosting a "Friendsgiving" celebration.

Why it matters

Project Outreach aims to provide opportunities for students with special needs to get involved in typical high school experiences that they may not otherwise have access to, helping to build connections and foster understanding between different groups of students.

The details

The Project Outreach club at Baker High School was actually started by the students themselves, and in just the first couple of months, 50 students have signed up to participate. The club allows students with special needs and their typical peers to play games, laugh, and hang out together. Special education teacher Casey Newberry says the program has been instrumental in teaching students how to communicate and engage with those who may be different from them.

  • Project Outreach launched at Baker High School five months ago.
  • Baker High School is hosting an autism awareness night on Thursday, January 30, 2026 at 7:30 PM.

The players

Aubrey Billips

A senior at Baker High School who participates in the Project Outreach club.

Austin Billips

Aubrey's brother, who has autism and participates in the Project Outreach club.

MaKenlee McNeill

A student at Baker High School who has found a close friendship through the Project Outreach club.

Naya Rivera

A student at Baker High School who has found a close friendship with MaKenlee through the Project Outreach club.

Casey Newberry

The special education teacher at Baker High School who oversees the Project Outreach club.

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What they’re saying

“They don't get to be involved in, like, going to football games or, you know, going hanging out with friends on the weekend, so, like, just having this club so they have someone to talk to and just be their friend. It's just amazing.”

— Aubrey Billips, Senior at Baker High School

“Why are you laughing at me? Haha. That's what I love about her...it's not funny....she's so funny, and there's so many things like we both, I play soccer, and she loves soccer, and she's she thinks this is so funny. Is this funny? Yes. We have the same favorite color. My favorite color is blue. She loves blue. And I feel like even though we are different in the way we learn and stuff like that, the similarities we have is what makes us so close.”

— MaKenlee McNeill and Naya Rivera, Students at Baker High School

What’s next

Baker High School Project Outreach is hosting an autism awareness night as Baker Hoops takes on Vigor basketball on Thursday, January 30, 2026 at 7:30 PM. Before tip off, West Mobile Area Special Olympics athletes and Project Outreach members will be recognized.

The takeaway

Project Outreach is providing meaningful opportunities for students with special needs to get involved in typical high school experiences and build connections with their peers, fostering understanding and inclusion within the school community.