A Seat for Kindness: Ensign Students Celebrate New Buddy Bench

A new symbol of connection and kindness was unveiled at Ensign Intermediate School last week as students and staff gathered to celebrate the installation of a Buddy Bench donated by Exchange Club of Newport Harbor and Patrick’s Purpose Foundation, an organization dedicated to promoting kindness and inclusion on school campuses.

“The buddy bench is a symbol that is meant to promote inclusivity and kindness on campus. It is a safe space for students to sit, silently sending a message that they would love for someone to join them with company and support,” said Principal Samantha Payne.

The Buddy Bench serves as a simple but meaningful signal: When a student is sitting there, they may be looking for a friend, a conversation, or someone to simply sit with them.

“The Buddy Bench is for anyone who is feeling alone or needs support,” said eighth-grade student and ASB President Piercen Giordani. “They can sit on the bench and know that a friend will be there to help.”

Kim Turner of the Patrick’s Purpose Foundation noted that this is the first Buddy Bench installed at a middle school, adding to the 17 currently located on other Newport-Mesa Unified School District campuses.

As students begin to use the Buddy Bench, Ensign recognizes that meaningful change takes more than a single initiative. The bench serves as a daily reminder of the power of small, student-to-student actions and represents one of many intentional steps the school is taking to strengthen connection, encourage empathy, and support a campus culture rooted in care and belonging. Over time, these moments of connection help lay the foundation for a stronger, more supportive school community because building a positive school culture starts with connection.

To learn more about how Ensign fosters kindness son campus, check out this highlight from December 2024: Ensign Intermediate Fosters Inclusivity, Leadership, and Academic Growth Through a Culture of Kindness and Respect.