By Devin Sherrill, Bryant School District Communications Director
Students at Hurricane Creek Elementary will soon be enjoying a new playground accessory thanks to the idea of one student.
Olivia McAllister, a fourth grader at the time, was brainstorming volunteer projects with her stepmom who suggested a Buddy Bench, a simple way to eliminate loneliness and foster friendship on the playground. Knowing some of her classmates felt lonely during recess, Olivia decided a Buddy Bench was just what Hurricane Creek’s playground needed.
Olivia’s excitement over the idea led her to involve the school’s counselor, Kelli Dockery.
“We teach our students to be kind and include everyone,” Dockery said. “I was happy to support Olivia in this project.”
The Buddy Bench was dedicated at a ribbon cutting ceremony on Aug. 28. The whole school turned out for the event, along with Olivia’s family, members of the Bryant
Chamber of Commerce, a representative of the Bryant Boys & Girls Club, Superintendent Tom Kimbrell, school board member Joe Wishard and representatives from the district’s school-based mental health department.
“Olivia has created a very real way for peers to show compassion and empathy to one another,” said Susan Jones, LPC and Susan Kennedy, Elementary Case Manager, Connection Company, BSD School Based Mental Health Department. “These are the very traits that encourage a positive school culture and maintain healthy social and emotional health in our students.“
Any Hurricane Creek student who is looking for a playmate at recess can take a seat on the Buddy Bench — a quiet signal to other students that they are looking for a friend. Olivia already has student leaders trained and ready to step in and offer friendship.
“The goal of the bench is to encourage new friendships and create a welcoming playground where everyone has fun,” Dockery said.
Olivia and the students and staff at Hurricane Creek Elementary extended their appreciation to community partner Kroger in Benton for donating the bench.
