Elementary and Youth Advisory Team Up for Buddy Bench Project
The Leigh Youth Advisory Committee was touched when the Leigh Elementary first and second-graders asked for their help with a project.
They wanted to make two “buddy benches” for the elementary school playground.
The idea behind the brightly-colored buddy benches is that when a child has no one to play with or feels lonely, they can sit on the bench, signifying to other students that they would like to join someone’s game at recess.
“Buddy benches was an idea sparked by kids needing a friend to play with on the playground,” said second-grade teacher Mrs. Kylie Hollatz. “Some kids are afraid to ask for help or a friend when needed. This project will allow kids to have a voice with an action. The first- and second-graders were very excited to work with the Youth Advisory Committee.”
The Leigh Youth Advisory Committee, a community organization consisting of high school students Megan Bahns, Kenzie Noonan, Karmen Hake, Daniel Arriaza, Hannah Johnson, Sydney Geier, Haden Held, Logan Becher, and Kaegan Held, was more than happy to help with this project.
The first and second-graders and the YAC spent time painting the benches together, then put on a skit for the rest of the elementary school to showcase the purpose of the benches.
First-grade teacher Mrs. Kim Bruhn added, “The first and second grades do a community project together every year. This year we have stressed being a good friend. We thought a buddy bench would be a great addition to our playground. Our inspiration has been a book by Peter Reynolds called “The Dot.” Every day we try to MAKE OUR MARK, and this is just another example of how great our kids are!”