A Benchmark for Kindness

The Smithtown High School East SADD (Students Against Destructive Decisions) Club recently donated a beautifully designed Buddy Bench to St. James Elementary, creating a welcoming space where students can connect with one another and ensure that no one feels left out.

The project began when High School East Family & Consumer Sciences teacher, Connie Smith, approached St. James Elementary Principal, Mr. Adam Javidi, about bringing a Buddy Bench to St. James Elementary. Around that same time, fifth-grade student Mackenzie Stevenson also shared a willingness to bring a Buddy Bench to SJE.  The next step was to build the bench.

Students in the High School East Technology Honor Society got to work building the bench and the SADD students painted and designed it. Mackenzie contributed meaningful artwork and inspirational quotes that were incorporated into the final design.

On Friday, members of the SADD Club visited St. James Elementary to officially deliver the bench and introduce its purpose to students. Mackenzie spoke to her peers about how the Buddy Bench works and how it can help foster friendship, inclusion, and kindness throughout the school community.

The Buddy Bench initiative was spearheaded by SADD President Addy Agliato and Vice President Olivia Granaban, who developed the concept and design alongside fellow club members.

To further promote the message of inclusion, the SADD Club gifted every St. James Elementary student a silicone bracelet inscribed with the words “Be a Buddy.” Students proudly pledged to be a buddy to others and to embrace the purpose of the bench by reaching out to classmates who may need a friend.

The project is an excellent reminder of one of the core principles of The Smithtown Promise–“You Belong Here.”

Thanks to the efforts of students across multiple schools and grade levels, the new Buddy Bench will stand as a symbol of friendship and belonging for years to come.