By ALICIA LEONARD
DeFuniak Springs – Our open series on bullying continues this week with some refreshing news on what local kids are doing to counteract bullying.
After the first article ran we received an outpouring of responses from those that were bullied as children and are now adults, as well as kids trying to help others overcome the issue thanking the Herald for tackling the subject.
One such response was from George Cowie, the Confirmation Instructor for St. Margaret of Scotland Catholic Church in DeFuniak Springs.
The 2016 Confirmation Class at the church has just completed a service project by constructing two “Buddy Benches.”
The idea behind the benches explains Cowie is “When a student is feeling lonely, like their best friend is home sick and they’re alone on the playground, they can sit on the bench. When others see someone on the bench they know someone is in need of a buddy. Friends also use the benches. It is a way of fostering friendships and combating bullying at a young age.”
Cowie said the youngsters raised around $110 in funds for the materials for the benches. They also took on the assembly, sanding and the painting.
The benches were delivered this week to West DeFuniak Elementary and Maude Saunders Elementary schools to be placed on the playground.
Next week we will return to the legalities, state law, and local issues surrounding bullying, but for this week, enjoy the pictures, efforts, and good news the 2016 confirmandi put so much effort into to help other kids dealing with bullying.
Had an experience with bullying? Email me at alicia@dfsheraldsite.wpenginepowered.com and share your story.