Wednesday March 28^th Mrs. Crusan and Mrs. Montanez took members of Oakley elementary school in Santa Maria to dedicate a buddy bench to the kindergarten students.

A t the beginning of the school year the FCCLA club decided that they wanted to do a project that involved giving back to the community. They fundraised throughout the year, selling BBQ tickets, hot chocolate, cookies at the winter fair, and selling Valentine grams in February. They have done a fantastic job raising money to pay for the materials necessary to build a bench for the local school.

Mrs. Crusan’s husband built the bench with materials and on Saturday March 24^th members of the club got together and spent four hours painting it.

The dedication was very special for our club. “Buddy benches are important to have at schools because it is a safe place for students to go talk or simply when they want to make new friends,” said Family, Careers & community Leaders of America (FCCLA) Club President Leah Torres. “The value of doing this project is significant because it is a great way to give back to our community and is something that will leave a positive impact for the students.”

The kindergarten students were very excited and were well informed about what a buddy bench is and how it’s used! They promised Mrs. Montanez to always look after one another and to be sure to be a good friend.