A school mentoring program in Fairfield has forged a special friendship between two students.

Ethan Harris and Ellie Solari were paired up through Fairfield Warde's Best Buddies program.

Ethan's mother says it hasn't been easy for her son, who has autism, to make friends.

"His communication skills are his biggest hurdle," she says.

Then along came Ellie. In a year, Ethan and Ellie saw the Nutcracker, hosted holiday parties, went to the spring dance together and took a trip to Silverman's, among other activities.

Though it may sound forced, Ellie says she thinks their friendship will last forever.

"I just learned how crucial relationships are and how important they are to have with one another," she says.

Ethan says it makes him feel happy that he has a new friend and isn't alone anymore.

The Best Buddies program is an international program and is offered in several high schools and middle schools in the area.