How do you feel about graduating from eighth grade?

What do you want for yourself?

What does success look like?

A Friend by My Side, which was first shown at the eighth annual Dinner with Friends fundraiser in May 2026, captures answers to these questions and more directly from some of Friends Austin's oldest youth. Hear from Ashley, Cristian, Damian, and Kimberly as they reflect on finishing middle school, the impact of having a Friend in their lives since they joined our program in 2018, and their goals and dreams for the future.

In August 2026, Friends Austin's oldest cohort of youth will embark on the next part of their academic journey: starting high school. Their Friends will be by their side, no matter what.

Thank you to Jacob Ryan Hamilton for creating this video.