Hannibal Public Schools gratefully acknowledges the Evening Kiwanis of Hannibal for donating 16 Buddy Benches to the district and local community locations including St. John's Lutheran School and the Hannibal Free Public Library. These benches are designed to support student well-being by providing a place where students can signal their need for a friend to play with or talk to.
Buddy Benches aim to reduce loneliness and prevent bullying by fostering peer connections on school playgrounds.
The benches were crafted and painted by high school students in Mr. Derek Greening’s Agricultural Construction class at HCTC, showcasing the practical skills and teamwork of our students. Their hard work and dedication have beautifully brought this project to fruition, demonstrating the skills and commitment of our students.
"Working with Mr. Greening's students has been a great experience; they've been diligently building these benches since November 2023. Mr. Greening designed them superbly, and the students executed the build flawlessly," said Vicki Witthaus, President of the Evening Kiwanis of Hannibal. "These Buddy Benches exemplify the outstanding results we achieve when we unite for our children’s well-being. It was important to us to partner with the school system as much as possible for the project, and it has been truly rewarding."
Delivered by members of Evening Kiwanis last week, the benches are now integral parts of their respective school environments, symbolizing the district’s commitment to creating inclusive, supportive spaces for students.
Thank you, Evening Kiwanis of Hannibal, for your continued support and for helping us make a positive impact in the lives of our students!
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Media Inquiries:
Contact: Andrea
Campbell, Communication Specialist
573-221-1258,
acampbell@hannibal60.com