MONROE, CT — Girl Scouts McKayla Connole and Mikaela Nealon, who are both Jockey Hollow Middle School sixth graders, arranged for the donation of a Buddy Bench from Kevin’s Afterglow for their former school, Stepney Elementary, as part of their Bronze Award Project.
James Kuczo, of Kevin’s Afterglow, presented the bench to Stepney during a ceremony with students, teachers and guests. The bench is a symbol of friendship and inclusion, giving students a safe place to sit if they feel lonely, sad or in need of a friend, while encouraging others to reach out and include them.
Connole, of Troop 34001, and Nealon, of Troop 34018, organized the ceremony. Their Girl Scout project focused on emotional awareness, helping students recognize and understand their own feelings and those of others.
Stepney Principal Ashley Furnari supported the girls with their presentation, sharing how proud she was to see two former students return as role models for Stepney’s youngest learners.
Connole and Nealon, the only Girl Scouts to earn their Bronze in Monroe this year, the highest award possible for their age group, led an “Emotion Game” where students practiced identifying emotions and learning ways to respond with kindness, patience and inclusion. They also shared practical ways to show empathy, such as giving compliments, sharing, smiling, holding doors open and inviting new friends to join in play.
During the presentation, Kuczo encouraged students to be “Kindness Multipliers,” reminding them that small acts of kindness can ripple outward, making their school, playground and community a better place.
Each classroom at Stepney received a copy of the book, “The Buddy Bench,” by Patty Brozo, which was donated by Kevin’s Afterglow. The story, which highlights inclusion and friendship on the playground, complemented the girls’ message and gave students another way to explore empathy and connection.
The Buddy Bench and the accompanying lessons on emotional awareness are part of Kevin’s Afterglow’s mission to teach kindness, empathy, and support throughout schools, parks and community spaces.
“This event left a lasting impression, reinforcing Stepney’s motto: Be You, Be Kind … Each Child, Every Day,'” Furnari said.
Connole and Nealon worked together over the summer to prepare their presentation, while exceeding the required minimum of 20 hours spent on their project.
For information about Kevin’s Afterglow and its mission of spreading kindness through Buddy Benches, visit its website by clicking here.
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